The Silent Threat: Deep Vein Thrombosis in the GamingCommunity

In the ever-growing gaming industry, where virtual worlds captivate billions, a silent threat lurks beneath the surface, imperilling the health and well-being of gamers worldwide. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by the formation of blood clots in deep veins, has emerged as a pressing concern within the gaming community. As the gaming industry expands and gaming sessions stretch into marathon durations, the scope of DVT intensifies. The very essence of gaming, characterised by prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour punctuated by occasional bursts of frenetic activity, creates a perfect storm for the development of thrombotic events. Moreover, the competitive fervour that pervades esports arenas amplifies the stakes, driving players to push their physical limits in pursuit of victory. Against this backdrop of escalating intensity and prolonged immobility, the threat of DVT begins to loom larger than ever before, necessitating action from all stakeholders involved, including the gaming community, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders.

Understanding the Mechanisms: Immobility and Thrombosis

Gaming sessions often entail prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour, wherein players find themselves ensconced in their seats for extended periods, sometimes surpassing the ten-hour mark—a trend increasingly observed in today’s gaming culture. This sedentary lifestyle exacts a toll on the body, particularly on circulatory health.

As gamers remain immobile, blood circulation becomes compromised, especially in the lower extremities. The gravitational pull exacerbates this effect, leading to stagnation of blood flow in the veins of the legs and in turn the initiation of thrombotic processes. Blood clots can form within deep veins, obstructing normal blood flow and posing a significant risk for the development of DVT. This cycle of prolonged sitting and compromised circulation represents a hallmark of the modern gaming experience, underscoring the urgent need for interventions aimed at promoting physical activity and circulatory health among gamers.

Scientific studies corroborate this link between immobility and thrombosis. Research conducted by Professor Richard Beasley, renowned for his expertise in respiratory medicine and thrombosis, underscores the physiological underpinnings of DVT in gamers.Through meticulous observation and analysis, Beasley and his team have elucidated the intricate interplay between prolonged sitting, venous stasis, and clot formation, shedding light on the pathophysiology of gaming-related DVT.

Interestingly, Beasley says the link between prolonged sitting and DVT was first reported in 1940 after British researchers observed cases of fatal pulmonary embolism among people who had satin air-raid shelters for prolonged periods during the Blitz.[1]

Epidemiological Insights: Unveiling the Scope of theProblem

The magnitude of the issue is significant, indicative of the widespread impact of gaming on a global scale. With an estimated 3.09 billion active video game players worldwide, a figure projected to rise to 3.32 billion by 2024, gaming has become an integral aspect of contemporary culture. The emergence of esports as a burgeoning industry is evidenced by the presence of over 3,000 professional players in the United States alone, reflecting the growing prominence and commercial viability of competitive gaming. [2]

Asia, in particular, stands as a formidable hub of gaming activity, boasting nearly 1.5 billion gamers—a testament to the broad appeal and cultural resonance of gaming across diverse demographics. This expansive audience encompasses individuals spanning various age groups, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds, underscoring the universal allure of gaming as a form of entertainment and recreation.

However, amidst the widespread adoption of gaming globally, the concerning trend of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) has emerged. Even more troubling is the occurrence of thrombotic events in individuals as young as 12 years old, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for proactive measures to address this health risk within the gaming community. As stakeholders navigate the complexities of this emerging issue, it is imperative to prioritise the health and well-being of gamers, implementing strategies to mitigate the risk of DVT across all age groups and gaming demographics.

Industry Response: Navigating the Terrain of Risk Mitigation

In response to the growing concerns surrounding gaming-related DVT, industry stakeholders have embarked on a journey of risk mitigation and awareness-raising. Dr. Jo Twist, the esteemed chief executive of the BPI, advocates for a holistic approach, emphasising the importance of regular breaks and ergonomic practices to safeguard gamers’ health.

Realistically not much is being done to address the underlying risk factors associated with gaming-induced immobility. However, one business has developed a pioneering intervention called the RBR legflow™, a ground breaking product developed by RBR active™.

Heading up RBR active™, and the driving force behind the RBR legflow™ device stands Paul Westerman, a respected and visionary entrepreneur driven by a passion and commitment to reducing DVT occurrences, Paul survived a massive pulmonary embolism in 2011 and has since dedicated his professional expertise to support the work of RBR active™.

Paul’s journey with the RBR legflow™ took a pivotal turn when he showcased his invention on the acclaimed television show “Dragons’Den.” Armed with his innovative solution to the pressing health concerns facing gamers, Westerman captivated the attention of the panel of investors with his compelling pitch.

With eloquence and conviction, Westerman articulated the vision behind the RBR legflow™ and demonstrated its potential to revolutionise the gaming experience while promoting circulatory health. His presentation resonated with the investors, who recognised both the market opportunity and the societal impact of his invention. Following a successful pitch, Paul secured investment in the RBR legflow™

Dragons’ Den

The RBR legflow™ is a small medical device that sits on the floor under foot, incorporating two separate round domes with patented nodules®,each large enough to accommodate the user’s foot. Through 3 simple exercises, the RBR legflow™ improves lower limb blood flow in the popliteal vein by 11-fold. Studies have shown that popliteal venous flow reduces by 50% within 90 minutes of sitting.

Whether travelling by air for business or pleasure, working at your desk with deadlines looming, being hospitalised, gaming, looking forward to the forthcoming birth of your child, in a care-home, or if you’re just at home and not as mobile as you were. The RBR legflow™ is a product that you should have with you.

RBR legflow™ Key Features

• A simple, highly effective piece of health care equipment developed to combat deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Designed to enable and encourage simple exercises that help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Clinically tested to significantly increase blood flow in the lower limbs
• Manufactured using Biomaster antimicrobial technology
• All materials used in the manufacturing of the RBR legflow™ are approved by the FDA and EPA
• All active components have been notified for inclusion on the Biocidal Products Regulation
• Approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the Global Medical Device Nomenclature
• Lightweight, durable and user-friendly

RBR legflow™ Antimicrobial Properties

Recognising the critical need for antimicrobial protection in a product designed for prolonged contact with the feet, RBR active™ has integrated cutting-edge Biomaster antimicrobial technology into the very fabric of the RBR legflow™ device.

At its core, Biomaster technology represents a triumph of scientific innovation, an antimicrobial additive designed to inhibit the growth microorganisms. Developed by Addmaster, a renowned leader in antimicrobial solutions, Biomaster technology offers formidable product protection.

The significance of antimicrobial product protection in a device such as the RBR legflow™ cannot be overstated. In the context of gamers in particularly who immerse themselves in virtual worlds for extended periods, their environment could be conducive to microbial growth. Furthermore, in scenarios where the device may be shared among two or more people, Biomaster antimicrobial technology is a proactive measure to ensure hygiene.

By seamlessly integrating Biomaster additives into the material composition of the RBR legflow™ device, RBR active™ has elevated the standard of hygiene. Unlike other antimicrobial treatments that diminish over time, Biomaster technology remains integral to the device, ensuring sustained antimicrobial efficacy for the lifetime of the product —a testament to the durability and reliability of this innovative antimicrobial solution.

In an era where hygiene is paramount, the integration of Biomaster antimicrobial technology into the RBR legflow™ device represents a harmonious fusion of scientific expertise and technological innovation. RBR active™ has set a new standard for excellence, empowering gamers to immerse themselves in their virtual adventures with confidence, knowing that their hygiene enhanced with Biomaster antimicrobial protection.

A Healthier Gaming Culture

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, the health, hygiene and well-being of players must remain paramount.The RBR legflow™ is a product that should be under every gamers desk as the prevalence of gaming-related DVT continues to escalate. Concerted efforts are also needed to raise awareness, conduct further research, and implement preventive measures. By fostering a culture of health-consciousness and innovation, the gaming industry can pave the way for a future where virtual adventures coexist harmoniously with physical well-being.

You can find out more about the RBR legflow™ device at www.rbrlegflow.com

You can find out more about Biomaster antimicrobial technology at www.addmaster.co.uk/technologies/biomaster

References:

1. R Beasley. (2003) “eThrombosis: the 21st century variant of venous thromboembolism associated with immobility” – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12608454
2. Josh Howarth. (2024) “How Many Gamers Are There? (New 2024 Statistics)” – https://explodingtopics.com/blog/number-of-gamers