Hand-Held Dynamometer Assessment: E-Sports Grip-Asymmetry Index as a Predictor of Wrist Pain

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Pain Group: Professional e-sports athletes who report wrist pain rated at 3 or higher on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale during gaming activities. These participants play video games professionally for at least 35 hours per week, are between 18-30 years old, and have no history of neurologic or rheumatic disease.

No-Pain Group: Professional e-sports athletes who report minimal to no wrist pain (less than 3 on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale) during gaming activities. These participants play video games professionally for at least 35 hours per week, are between 18-30 years old, and have no history of neurologic or rheumatic disease.

Study summary

This cross-sectional study investigates whether a simple Grip-Asymmetry Index (GAI) can predict self-reported wrist pain in professional e-sports athletes. Professional gamers (aged 18-30) who play at least 35 hours per week will be assessed using a Jamar dynamometer to measure maximal grip force in both hands. The study will compare GAI between two groups: those with wrist pain (≥3/10 on Visual Analog Scale during play) and those without pain. A GAI cutoff value for predicting wrist pain risk will be established through ROC analysis, with additional factors such as gaming hours, BMI, and sex incorporated into a multivariable logistic regression model.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Grip-Asymmetry Index (GAI) — Measured once at study enrollment
  The Grip-Asymmetry Index is calculated as (Dominant hand grip strength - Non-dominant hand grip strength) / Dominant hand grip strength × 100%. Grip strength is measured in kilograms using a calibrated Jamar hand-held dynamometer following standardized testing protocols. Higher GAI values indicate greater asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant hands.

Trial sites (1)

More Ahram Canadian University trials in Egypt