A new study conducted by sports science researcher Jiří Kotas of Masaryk University and colleagues examines the energy expenditure and physiological impact of esports. By analyzing five previous studies spanning competitive titles like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and Overwatch, the research highlights how competitive gaming affects the human body despite minimal physical exertion.
Quick Facts
- Researchers analyzed five previous studies covering competitive games like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and Overwatch.
- A study by Haupt et al found that resting heart rates around 85bpm surged to 137bpm within ten minutes of play.
- The highest recorded calorie expenditure increase reached 2.44 kcal per minute, roughly equal to 41.4 kcal per hour.
What the Study Found About Stress and Heart Rate
While players do not burn significant calories sitting behind a desk, the psychological stress of competitive matches produces a measurable physiological response. According to findings reported by Automaton Media, the heart-rate surge during gameplay is comparable to the physical reaction seen in chess—a discipline officially recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee in 1999.
Alongside elevated heart rates, researchers observed increases in blood glucose and cortisol levels. These indicators confirm that players experience genuine psychological stress during matches, despite the low physical expenditure. For nations like Germany that currently recognize chess as a sport while excluding esports, researchers note that these physiological similarities could provide a framework for future recognition.
Energy Expenditure During Gameplay
When it comes to actual calorie burn, the physical impact of gaming remains extremely low. Umut Ziya Kocak's study recorded a peak increase from 1.75 kcal per minute at rest to 2.44 kcal per minute during gameplay. That translates to roughly 41.4 kcal per hour—an energy output equivalent to eating one mandarin, two tablespoons of cooked rice, or four potato chips.
Despite the lack of intense physical exercise, the International Olympic Committee considers esports a sporting activity under specific conditions. Participating games must not infringe on Olympic values, and a governing organization must guarantee compliance with the Olympic Charter regarding anti-doping and illegal betting regulations. While public debate and international consensus regarding esports classification continue, studies demonstrating physiological responses similar to chess add new data to the discussion.