Authors
William F. Belk, Department of Kinesiology, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
Veronika Scudamore, Department of Kinesiology, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
Eric M. Scudamore, Department of Kinesiology, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
International Journal of Exercise Science 19(7): 7010, 2026.
DOI: 10.70252/IJES2026710
Abstract
Collegiate electronic sport (esport) athletes spend extended periods seated, a pattern associated with reduced cerebral blood flow and potential decrements in executive function and performance. Aerobic exercise acutely improves cognitive function and reaction time (RT) in healthy populations; however, its effects on esport-specific performance metrics have not been established. The purpose of this brief report was to estimate the feasibility of a 15-minute moderate-intensity cycling (MIC) bout and to generate preliminary effect-size data for its influence on RT, point-and-click (PC) accuracy in collegiate esport athletes. Twelve male collegiate esport athletes (age: 20.3 ± 1.5 years) completed two counterbalanced sessions. Three familiarization trials preceded either a 15-minute MIC protocol at 45–55% heart rate reserve or a 15-minute seated rest control (CON). Immediately following each condition, participants completed three RT assessments using a simple RT tool and three PC performance trials using AimHero software. No significant differences were observed between MIC and CON for RT (221.4 ± 49.8 vs. 211.2 ± 29.0 ms; p = 0.38, d = 0.36), PC accuracy (86.6 ± 10.3 vs. 83.0 ± 11.7%; p = 0.24, d = 0.38), or PC time (0.99 ± 0.15 vs. 0.96 ± 0.16 s; p = 0.21, d = 0.26). Individual response data suggest responders, non-responders, and negative responders to MIC may occur. These pilot data indicate that a single 15-minute MIC bout does not significantly alter esport performance metrics at the group level; however, small-to-moderate effect sizes and inter-individual variability suggest adequately powered future investigations are warranted.
Recommended Citation
Belk, William F.; Scudamore, Veronika; Scudamore, Eric M. (2026) “Effects of Moderate-Intensity Cycling on Reaction Time and Point-and-Click Accuracy in Collegiate Esports Athletes: A Brief Report,” International Journal of Exercise Science, 19(7):7010.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/IJES2026710