Experts report that self-imposed isolation shows a 19% rise in online gaming consumption. This statistic led to a study examining how a gamer's lifestyle affects the human body. The results include certain symptoms such as red eyes, arthritic changes, swollen ankles, eczema, etc. Nevertheless, there are various ways that gamers can take to aid their health.
The study tracks how daily hours spent playing in front of a screen can negatively affect and deform the human body over a 20-year period. For this purpose, sources from all over the world have been used, stating the impact of a gaming lifestyle on a person's physical health. The team conducting the study also gives a suggestion for some recommendations that online gamers can follow to take better care of themselves. These recommendations include remedies such as regular stretching, better diet and drinking enough water.
Based on the results, the team leading the study decided to correspond with various artists and animators so that together they could create a visual representation of the modern gamer in the future. In doing so, they created Michael the gamer of the future.
Before we give you a chance to see what Michael looks like, we'll tell you what his suffering is like. The gamer of the future is battling several health-related issues. These include:
The reason for them is the lack of a good sleep regime, combined with prolonged exposure to the light coming from the screen.
Long hours spent in front of the screen lead to a state of permanent dry eyes. This in turn causes irritation to the eyes, resulting in redness. The ability of the vision to focus on objects is also impaired as they begin to appear blurry.
It is clear to all of us that Vit. D is extremely important for our health. It is mainly obtained from sunlight and of course from certain foods. Michael is a dedicated gamer who does not often see the sun and therefore suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Low levels of this vitamin lead to hair loss as old and new hair follicles are not stimulated to grow, but are suppressed.
The headphones used exert a continuous slight strain on the head. Accumulated over time, this tension can cause deformities to the hair, skin and even the skull.
"PlayStation" thumb is a condition that occurs afterfollowing a repetitive trauma to the nail. Such can occur from the continuous tapping of the fingernails on the keyboard or controller, which leads to loosening of the nail and detachment from its nail bed. These repetitive movements can also cause pain from muscle stiffness and calluses on the fingertips from overuse.
As a consequence of repetitive trauma to the fingers caused by excessive controller or keyboard use, hand joint changes can occur. If timely measures are not taken it is possible that they may need to be removed by surgical correction.
The term "Trigger Finger" refers to a condition in which there is significant inflammation of the tendon of one of the fingers. This inflammation is due to prolonged strain being exerted on the tendons, most commonly of the thumb and ring finger. Symptoms are associated with pain, restricted movement and decreased sensation of the affected finger.
A condition associated with inflammation of the tendons of the muscles of the hand, the localization being in the area of the wrist where the median nerve passes. As a consequence of the inflammatory process, compression occurs on the nerve. Symptoms may be associated with numbness, tingling, weakness in the hand.
This is a condition that develops gradually - the head is protruded forward, the shoulders are bent forward. Gradually, a hump is formed, which cannot be corrected when standing. Back, neck and lower back pain may begin due to prolonged sitting in front of a screen.
Prolonged sitting and tension in the shoulders leads to constant strain on the musculature. When muscles are under tension, they cannot relax, leading to pain and stiffness.
During intense periods of play, it can be difficult to observe a good diet. The most commonly consumed foods are high carbohydrate and fried followed by some carbonated energy drink to "refuel". This way of eating will inevitably lead to weight gain.
Red, inflamed skin, which can be due to unhealthy food, dry air as well as comb, combined with other factors. During strenuous play, when the body is put under some kind of stress, it reacts by releasing the hormone cortisol, which increases inflammatory processes and triggers eczema.
The lack of vit. D and B-12 due to insufficient sun exposure and eating harmful granos means that the future gamer will have rather faded skin.
Varicose veins can occur when a person spends a long time in a certain position. When muscle contractions are missing, the pumping momentum created by them, which helps the veins to push blood from the legs to the heart, is also missing. When this pumping mechanism is absent the pressure in the venous vessels increases, causing them to dilate. Also the lack of muscle work leads to stagnation of blood and lymph, which is expressed by swelling of the ankles.
After we have listed the main problems that Michael has to fight with, the moment has come when we will present the image of the future gamer.
We will also introduce you to the recommendations that the experts of this study offer for staying fit and healthy.
The first recommendation encourages dedicated players to devote sufficient time to completing certain exercises. By practicing some motor activity, the elasticity of the muscles is preserved, their relaxation is promoted, it also helps to better nourish the articular cartilage and contributes to the reduction of back and shoulder pain.
It's a good idea to have the light in the room aligned with the screen to reduce eye irritation. It is also important to allow time for breaks between games
Poor nutritional diet is associated with insufficient intake of essential substances and micronutrients, which in the long term harms mental and physical health. Incorporating a more balanced diet not only improves health, but also concentration raises energy levels in the body and will have an overall positive impact on the way you play.
It is important to get into the habit of maintaining good posture during play as well as incorporating some stretching exercises. A good gaming chair also comes as an aid, as well as adjusting the screen to eye height and frequently stretching tense muscles.
Carbonated and energy drinks do not meet the body's water needs. The necessary amount must be consumed to ensure the normal functioning of the body's organs and systems.
