News Byte: Researchers Publish Innovative Esports Medicine Textbook

A pioneering new textbook by researchers from the Center for Esports Medicine aims to help fellow healthcare professionals better understand and manage the unique demands placed on competitive gamers.

The book marks a significant milestone for the Center for Esports Medicine, which has been at the forefront of research and esports healthcare since opening in 2018. According to publisher Human Kinetics, the innovative textbook, Conditioning for Esports: A Guide to Training and Performance, is the first of its kind to explore the specific training needs of serious gamers.

Its content applies evidence-based knowledge to real-world gaming scenarios, providing insights into the science and necessity of training the body to sustain the repetitive stress that comes with balancing fine motor skills, mental focus, and gaming performance.

Featuring insight from multiple faculty members and researchers from the College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) and the School of Health Professions, chapters cover a wide range of topics, from overuse injuries and gaming biomechanics to recommended exercises, the mind-body connection, and esports-specific nutrition, among others.

NYITCOM Professor and Director of Clinical Research Joanne Donoghue, Ph.D., and Provost, Executive Vice President, and Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Jerry Balentine, D.O. served as authors and editors. Independent esports performance coach Taylor Johnson, M.S., CSCS, who previously managed sports science initiatives for the National Football League (NFL), is also listed as an editor.

The book’s other authors included:  

Featuring insight from multiple faculty members and researchers from NYITCOM and the School of Health Professions, chapters cover a wide range of topics, including overuse injuries, recommended exercises, the mind-body connection, and more.