Effects of mental fatigue on reaction time and performance in esports players

Do the Effects of Mental Fatigue on Reaction Time and Game Performance in Esport Players Change With Motor Imagery?

Not applicable Interventional Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University · NCT06729060

This study is testing how mental fatigue affects reaction times and gaming performance in esports players aged 18 to 30.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexMale
SponsorBandırma Onyedi Eylül University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bandirma, Balikesi̇r)
Trial IDNCT06729060 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how mental fatigue impacts reaction times and gaming performance among esports players aged 18-30. It employs a combination of motor imagery techniques and physical performance assessments to evaluate the effects of fatigue on gameplay. The research aims to understand the relationship between mental fatigue and performance metrics in competitive gaming, which has become a significant aspect of modern sports. Participants must engage in esports for at least 6 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months to qualify.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are male esports players aged 18-30 who play competitively for at least 6 hours per week.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological, visual, or auditory impairments, or those who have undergone upper extremity surgery, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance training methods for esports players, leading to improved performance and reduced mental fatigue.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of motor imagery and physical performance in esports is relatively novel, related studies on mental fatigue in sports have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being between the ages of 18-30: This age range was chosen because it is the age group with the highest number of e-sports players. After the age of 30, both the number of e-sports players decreases and reaction times decrease with age, so researchers accepted the age of 30 as a cut-off value.
* Male gender: E-sportsmen are generally composed of men. In addition to the difficulty of reaching female e-sportsmen, female e-sportsmen will not be included since it is known that performance parameters evaluated in heterogeneous groups will lead to differences.
* Doing e-sports for at least 6 hours or more per week for at least 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

Without Study

* Having any neurological, visual or auditory impairment,
* Having undergone any upper extremity surgery,
* Those who meet the recruitment criteria but are unable to come to the laboratory Those who used any medication or performance-enhancing dietary supplement in the month before the study Exclusion from the Evaluation Day in the Study: Participants will be questioned verbally before the evaluation and participants who do not meet the criteria will not be evaluated that day. After 1 day, they will be re-evaluated.
* Taking medication known to have stimulant or sedative effects
* Consumption of alcohol at least 24 hours before
* Consuming caffeine at least 8 hours before Exclusion from Intervention Groups: Participants who violate these criteria during the intervention will be excluded from the study.
* Those who take part in the intervention groups and are absent 20% or more
* Changes in initial physical activity categories according to the results of the International Physical Activity Scale Short Form

Where this trial is running

Bandirma, Balikesi̇r

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Esport PlayersGaming PerformanceMental Fatigueesport playersmental fatiguemotor imagery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.