Verify the effects of esports on cognitive skill: focusing on decision making.

Background: Electronic sports (esports) are increasingly recognized as both a popular entertainment medium and a subject of scientific inquiry. Yet recent discussions have regarded esports as a threat to psychological and physical health and cognitive abilities of esports players. To examine this issue, this study investigated the effects of esports on brain activity associated with decision-making, focus, and stress.

Methods: Twelve male fourth-semester students majoring in Physical Education, with no prior experience in esports, participated in this study (Mage = 20.08 years; SD = 0.74). Baseline EEG measurements were recorded during a 3-minute eyes-closed resting state, subsequently, the participants engaged in FIFA esport for a period of eight weeks. In each session, participants were randomly paired to play with one another following a draw. EEG data were recorded again under the same conditions at the end of the program.

Results: Results indicated significant changes in beta (p = 0.017), alpha (p = 0.002), and delta (p = 0.003) wave activity at the F3 brain region, with no substantial alterations observed in theta waves (p = 0.086).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that regular esports participation can induce measurable changes in neural activity patterns, providing insights into its potential influence on cognitive functions.