Computer gamers 'have reactions of pilots but bodies of chain smokers'
Published: 2:07PM BST 07 Jun 2010
Professional computer gamers have the reactions of fighters pilots but the bodies of 60-year-old chain smokers, according to tests comparing them with international athletes
A university academic conducted a series of physical and psychological tests to determine whether playing on computers could be defined as a sport.
Top gamers can earn tens of thousands of pounds a year in prize money and sponsorship but academics have warned the cost to their health could be devastating.
The cyber-sportsmen had mental sharpness and psychological traits comparable to 'real' athletes, and reacted to visual stimuli almost as fast as fighter jet pilots.
But their fitness levels were shockingly low and comparable to people either much younger or much older than their actual age.
One leading gamer in his twenties appeared to be slim and healthy with a physique similar to an endurance athlete.
But tests revealed he in fact had the lung function and aerobic fitness of a heavy smoker in his sixties.
Dr Micklewright blamed the gaming lifestyle of spending 10 hours a day in front a computer screen and warned youngsters against such a sedentary lifestyle.
He said: ''Someone of this age should be much fitter, but perhaps this is the occupational hazard of the professional gamer who can spend around 10 hours a day in front of a screen.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolo...ns-of-pilots-but-bodies-of-chain-smokers.html
expect its the same for scalpers like us
Published: 2:07PM BST 07 Jun 2010
Professional computer gamers have the reactions of fighters pilots but the bodies of 60-year-old chain smokers, according to tests comparing them with international athletes
A university academic conducted a series of physical and psychological tests to determine whether playing on computers could be defined as a sport.
Top gamers can earn tens of thousands of pounds a year in prize money and sponsorship but academics have warned the cost to their health could be devastating.
The cyber-sportsmen had mental sharpness and psychological traits comparable to 'real' athletes, and reacted to visual stimuli almost as fast as fighter jet pilots.
But their fitness levels were shockingly low and comparable to people either much younger or much older than their actual age.
One leading gamer in his twenties appeared to be slim and healthy with a physique similar to an endurance athlete.
But tests revealed he in fact had the lung function and aerobic fitness of a heavy smoker in his sixties.
Dr Micklewright blamed the gaming lifestyle of spending 10 hours a day in front a computer screen and warned youngsters against such a sedentary lifestyle.
He said: ''Someone of this age should be much fitter, but perhaps this is the occupational hazard of the professional gamer who can spend around 10 hours a day in front of a screen.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolo...ns-of-pilots-but-bodies-of-chain-smokers.html
expect its the same for scalpers like us
