QUT’s Craig McNulty will be presenting his latest
research at the Esports Research Network Conference 2024: Where Worlds Collide. The event, taking place from Wednesday, October 30th to Friday, November 1st at Staffordshire University, London, brings together the leading minds in esports research and practice.
McNulty’s presentation, titled “The Psychophysiological Outcomes of Elite League of Legends Players During Practice and Competition”, tackles one of the most pressing issues in the growing esports industry: the physical and mental well-being of elite e’athletes. His study examines the physiological and psychological impacts on elite League of Legends players, addressing critical concerns of burnout, injury, and early retirement among esports professionals.
Research Highlights:
- Participants: Male and female e’athletes from the League of Legends Circuit Oceania (LCO) and the Australian intervarsity league.
- Measures: Physiological data such as heart rate, heart rate variability, and ventilation, alongside psychological metrics of stress, resilience, mental toughness, and burnout.
- Study Design: Participants played both practice and competition matches while wearing a Hexoskin vest, which monitored their physiological responses throughout gameplay.
This pioneering research, currently in the final stages of data collection, offers crucial insights into the health and longevity of e’athletes, paving the way for better-informed training structures and competition schedules. The results are expected to shape industry practices to ensure that esports professionals can enjoy longer, healthier careers.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Esports Research Network Conference 2024, where experts like Dr McNulty are helping to shape the future of esports.