# Understanding Your Game Health Check Results
  
## Introduction

Once health and wellbeing assessments have been completed for an esports player, the next step is to **make sense of the results**, compare them with **normative data**, and provide **practical, supportive feedback**.

This part of the process helps:

* Understand how a player’s current health compares to healthy standards
* Identify risks and areas for development
* Encourage motivation and lifestyle changes

Let’s break this down into three core areas:

1. **Interpreting test results using normative data**
2. **Strategies to improve overall health and wellbeing**
3. **How to deliver feedback effectively and professionally**

  

## Interpreting Results Against Normative Data

Interpreting health data isn’t about judging — it’s about **understanding**, and using those insights to **support a player’s development**.

  

### 1. Comparing Against Population Norms

**Normative data** means results that are considered “typical” for a certain population group (e.g. by age, gender, or ability).

> **Example**:
> If the average resting heart rate for 18-year-olds is 72 bpm, and an esports player has a reading of 90 bpm, that might indicate low cardiovascular fitness or stress.

**Common normative tests include**:

* Body Mass Index (BMI)
* Resting heart rate and blood pressure
* VO2 max
* Flexibility and balance scores
* Mental wellbeing scores like WEMWBS

**Use in Esports**:

* Compare a player's reaction time or aerobic fitness to other players their age
* Identify when scores are outside of “normal” ranges and need attention

  

### 2. Accepted Health Ranges and National Guidelines

Health organisations such as the **NHS**, **Public Health England**, and the **World Health Organization (WHO)** offer accepted benchmarks for:

| Health Factor | Normal Range |
| --------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Resting Heart Rate (Adults) | 60–100 bpm |
| Blood Pressure | 90/60 – 120/80 mmHg |
| BMI (Adults) | 18.5–24.9 |
| Sleep (Age 16–25) | 7–9 hours per night |
| Fluid Intake | \~2 litres/day for adults |
| Physical Activity | 150 minutes moderate activity per week |

Use these to **evaluate risk** and **form recommendations**.

**Useful link**:
[NHS Physical Activity Guidelines](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/)

  

### 3. Zones of Tolerance

Some results may fall **slightly outside the norm**, but are still considered acceptable.

> These “zones of tolerance” allow for natural differences and temporary changes (e.g. a higher heart rate after caffeine or before a big match).

**Be cautious of:**

* Labeling someone as unhealthy based on a **single result**
* Not considering **context** (e.g. stress, illness, or sleep)

Instead, monitor over **time** and across **multiple tests**.

  

### 4. When to Refer to Medical Professionals

Some results require **referral** to a GP or specialist. This ensures **duty of care** is upheld.

**Referral signs might include**:

* Extremely high blood pressure or heart rate
* Severely low WEMWBS mental wellbeing scores
* High levels of anxiety or depression
* Noticeable weight loss or eating concerns
* Physical pain during tests

> **Important**: Always explain the reason for a referral with sensitivity, and involve a safeguarding lead if required.

  

## Strategies to Improve Health Status

Once results are interpreted, it's time to support the esports player in **making practical lifestyle changes**.

Here are proven strategies that target **physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing**.

  

### 1. Physical Activity Guidelines

The UK’s national guidelines suggest:

* **150 minutes** of moderate aerobic activity per week
or
* **75 minutes** of vigorous activity per week

**Why it matters for esports**:

* Boosts energy and focus
* Supports posture and endurance
* Improves sleep and mood

#### Activities:

* Brisk walking
* Light gym sessions
* Dance or martial arts
* Home workouts or HIIT
* Team-based sports for social benefits

> **Fun fact**: Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, helping with **reaction speed** and **decision-making** in games.

  

### 2. Fat Burning Activities

These help regulate weight and improve metabolic health. They include:

* Cycling
* Jogging or treadmill walking
* Circuit training
* Swimming

> Moderate intensity is key — players shouldn’t feel too sore to train or play the next day.

  

### 3. National Initiatives

Encourage use of **free tools and challenges**:

* [Couch to 5K](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) — Ideal for beginners
* [Active 10 App](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/) — Tracks 10-minute bursts of walking
* [NHS Better Health](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/) — Overall wellbeing support

These help create **small, achievable goals** that build confidence.

  

### 4. Getting Outdoors

Spending time outside provides:

* Fresh air and vitamin D
* Reduced screen fatigue
* Mood-boosting effects
* Opportunities for social interaction

**Ideas**:

* Take breaks in green spaces
* Organise nature walks as part of team bonding
* Encourage morning light exposure to support circadian rhythm

  

### 5. Relaxation Techniques

Esports players often face pressure from scrims, competitions, and streaming. Learning to **relax on purpose** helps manage stress and prevent burnout.

Techniques:

* Deep breathing
* Guided meditation (try the [Headspace app](https://www.headspace.com/))
* Progressive muscle relaxation
* Journaling to manage intrusive thoughts

  

### 6. Yoga and Pilates

These offer both **physical and psychological benefits**, including:

* Improved flexibility and posture
* Core strength (great for long gaming sessions)
* Stress relief and emotional balance
* Reduced anxiety and RSI risk

**Free resources**:

* [Yoga with Adriene (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene)
* Local classes or campus clubs

  

### 7. Diet Change

Nutrition has a massive effect on gaming stamina, mood, and focus.

**Simple wins**:

* Stay hydrated — 1.5–2 litres/day
* Reduce caffeine before bed
* Eat complex carbs (e.g. oats, brown rice) for slow energy release
* Include healthy fats for brain health (e.g. fish, avocado, nuts)

Encourage small changes, like swapping sugary snacks for protein-rich alternatives.

  

### 8. Counselling

Mental health support can:

* Reduce anxiety and depression
* Help players cope with performance pressure
* Build emotional resilience

Players should know:

* **It’s okay to ask for help**
* Services are confidential
* Many colleges and clubs offer **free access** to counselling

**Where to look**:

* [Mind UK](https://www.mind.org.uk/)
* [Young Minds](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/)
* Local health centres or school/college support

  

## Feeding Back Health Status to an Esports Player

Giving feedback is more than sharing numbers — it’s about **building understanding**, **motivating change**, and **respecting boundaries**.

  

### 1. Choosing an Appropriate Location

Avoid discussing sensitive health information in:

* Public spaces
* During a team meeting
* Over voice chat

**Best practice**:

* Use a **private, quiet room**
* Let the player know in advance what will be discussed
* Allow time for questions

  

### 2. Using Positive Body Language

* Sit at eye level
* Maintain open posture
* Nod and smile where appropriate
* Use calm tone and relaxed facial expression

**Avoid**:

* Folding arms or looking away
* Rushing the conversation

  

### 3. Using Graphs and Visuals

Some players find charts or visuals **easier to understand** than numbers.

Try:

* Bar charts to compare results with national averages
* Line graphs to show changes over time
* Pie charts to show activity or sleep patterns

Tools like Google Sheets, Canva, or simple sketching can help.

  

### 4. Verbal vs Written Feedback

| Format | Best for |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Verbal** | Explaining sensitive or complex issues; answering questions in real time |
| **Written** | Providing a summary the player can keep and refer to later |

> Best practice: Use **both** — speak with the player and then give them a written summary.

  

### 5. Using Test Scores and National Data

Frame results positively:

> “Your hydration level is slightly under the national guideline — a small change like carrying a refillable water bottle could help a lot.”

This makes feedback **actionable**, not overwhelming.

  

### 6. Identifying Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Balance your feedback:

* Start with **what’s going well**
* Highlight **areas to improve**
* Offer **practical, realistic suggestions**

> Example:
> “Your reaction time is great, and your sleep routine is consistent — awesome foundation. Your aerobic fitness score is a little below average — maybe we could explore some fun cardio options?”

  

### 7. Linking Physical and Psychological Health

Explain **cause and effect**:

* Poor sleep → slower reaction times
* Low hydration → poor focus
* High anxiety → increased heart rate and stress

Help the player **see the big picture** so they understand **why change matters**.

  

### 8. Giving Recommendations

Use SMART-style feedback:

* **Specific**: “Drink 500ml of water before each gaming session”
* **Measurable**: “Aim for 8 hours of sleep 5 nights a week”
* **Achievable**: “Try 10 mins of stretching each day”
* **Relevant**: “This will support your focus in tournaments”
* **Time-based**: “Let’s check back in 2 weeks”

  

## Summary Table

| Task | Best Practice |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Interpreting Results | Use national guidelines and context |
| Improving Health | Use simple, achievable strategies like walking, hydration, or yoga |
| Feeding Back | Be clear, supportive, and tailor advice to the player |

  

## Useful Resources

* [NHS Physical Activity Guidelines](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/)
* [Couch to 5K](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/)
* [Headspace – Meditation App](https://www.headspace.com/)
* [Young Minds – Mental Health Support](https://www.youngminds.org.uk/)
* [Yoga with Adriene (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene)

  

## Final Thoughts

A good assessor isn’t just someone who can record numbers — they’re someone who can **interpret them, communicate with empathy, and help players grow**. Your role as a health and wellbeing practitioner in esports can make a real difference in **player performance, confidence, and life beyond the screen**.