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

NCT06978426 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: AlHayah-1001
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 56
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Wrist Injuries

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Grip-Asymmetry Index (GAI)

  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.

  Measured once at study enrollment

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Maximal grip force in dominant hand

  Measured once at study enrollment

• Maximal grip force in non-dominant hand

  Measured once at study enrollment

• Wrist pain intensity during gaming

  Assessed at study enrollment, reflecting current pain experience during gaming activities

• Weekly gaming hours

  Assessed at study enrollment, reflecting average from the past month

Study Arms (2)

Pain Group

Professional e-sports athletes reporting wrist pain ≥3/10 on VAS during play

Other: Pain Group

No-Pain Group

Professional e-sports athletes reporting minimal to no wrist pain (\<3/10 on VAS during play)

Other: No-Pain Group

Interventions

Pain Group OTHER

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.

Pain Group

No-Pain Group OTHER

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.

No-Pain Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Professional e-sports athletes between 18-30 years old who compete in organized video gaming competitions and receive compensation for their gaming activities. Participants will be recruited from professional e-sports teams, gaming organizations, and competitive gaming events in the region. The study population will include individuals who play competitive video games for at least 35 hours per week using standard computer peripherals (mouse and keyboard). Both male and female athletes will be eligible, and efforts will be made to recruit a representative sample across different gaming genres (FPS, MOBA, RTS, etc.) and competitive levels.

You may qualify if:

• Professional e-sports athletes (receiving compensation for gaming activities)
• Age between 18 and 30 years
• Gaming for at least 35 hours per week
• For Pain Group: Reports wrist pain rated ≥3/10 on VAS during gaming activities
• For No-Pain Group: Reports minimal to no wrist pain (\<3/10 on VAS) during gaming activities

You may not qualify if:

• History of neurologic disease
• History of rheumatic disease
• Previous wrist surgery
• Recent wrist trauma (within 3 months)
• Use of pain medication within 24 hours of assessment
• Inability to perform grip strength testing

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ahram Canadian University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Ahram Canadian University

Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza Governorate, 3221405, Egypt

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Wrist Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Arm Injuries; Wounds and Injuries

Central Study Contacts

Mohamed M ElMeligie, Ph.D

CONTACT

01159880001; mohamed.elmeligie@acu.edu.eg

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer of Physical Therapy

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 10, 2025
• First Posted: May 18, 2025
• Study Start: June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion: December 1, 2025
• Last Updated: May 18, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)