Esports Under the Microscope: Heart-Rate Variability, Stress, and Burnout

Abstract

This is a comparative study conducted to compare physiological and psychological stress response in 250 professional esports athletes and 250 conventional athletes under the same environment of competition. Heart-rate variability (HRV), salivary cortisol, perceived stress (PSS-10), and burnout indicators were assessed before competition, in competition and after competition. There was a significant difference in the difference in HRV at baseline, during the decrease in HRV, and mid-match cortisol spikes between esports and traditional athletes (p < 0.05). Players of esports also experienced more stress perceived and elevated in post-competition physical fatigue. The correlation analysis demonstrated that HRV decreases were larger and dependent on higher scores on burnout (r = -0.41; p < 0.01). These results indicate that more specific recovery procedures, break planning, and mental strength programs should be applied in esports. This study highlights the importance of multimodal physiological, hormonal, and psychological tracking to ensure the wellness and long-term performance of athletes.