JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Previous studies of the impact of gaming on biochemical parameters have primarily addressed the acute effects of gaming. The literature is limited, and the study designs are very diverse. The parameters that have been investigated most thoroughly are blood glucose and cortisol.

Objective:

This exploratory study is the first of its kind, aiming to investigate the effects of long gaming sessions on the biochemical parameters of healthy male adults.

Methods:

Nine experienced gamers undertook two back-to-back eighteen-hour gaming sessions interspersed by a six-hour rest period. Throughout the forty-two hours of the study, the participants had unlimited access to food, snacks, and drinks. The participants had blood samples collected every six hours. Linear mixed-effect models were used to analyse the repeated-measure data accumulated during the study. A total of 51 biochemical parameters were investigated.

Results:

12 of 51 biochemical parameters showed significant changes during the study (ALP, AST, Bilirubin, Chloride, Creatinine, Glucose, Haemoglobin, Immature Reticulocyte Fraction, Lactate, Methaemoglobin, Sodium, Thrombocytes). The mean glucose level of the participants was 4.39 mmol/L at baseline and increased significantly by 0.24 mmol/L per six hours during the first period and increased by 0.38 mmol/L per six hours in the second period. Cortisol did not change significantly, although it deviated from the pattern usually associated with daily fluctuation. Several parameters indicated that the participants were dehydrated.

Conclusions:

The results of this exploratory study suggest that from a biochemical and haematological standpoint, the health of male adults is not altered short-term by long gaming sessions. The cortisol level of the participants displayed a pattern that would indicate an increased stress level. Clinical Trial: Eudract: 2019-004091