We investigated the association between obesity, self-reported physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and perceived health in esports players, and the influence of player in-game rank. Data was collected with an online survey with an international participant sample of esports players representing five esports and all skill levels (n = 1772). Esports players were more likely to be categorized as normal weight, or obesity class 2 and 3 and as non-smokers (92%) and non-drinkers (65.1%) compared to international reference data. Esports players met international physical activity guidelines less than global general population. Esports players ranked in the top 10% were more physically active compared to the remaining esports players. As esports player in-game rank increased, so did the amount of time spent playing esports. Although esports players appear generally healthy, a small group was significantly obese and most esports players did not meet physical activity guidelines, indicating potential future health risks.

Context: Neonate management remains a key issue in extensive beef production systems where producers are faced with substantial environmental and management challenges that limit their ability to monitor and manage livestock in a timely manner. Parturition is a critical event and can affect the calf health and survival, particularly in the perinatal period (up to 48 h after birth). As such, monitoring parturition using precision livestock technologies may provide producers with additional tools to manage their cattle and mitigate the impacts of neonatal mortality in extensive beef systems. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine whether data from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) collar could be used to detect parturition events in extensively grazed beef cattle. Methods: Forty-eight Bos taurus cows (583.5 kg body weight ± 9.25 s.e.m.) were allocated to a 28 ha paddock between 8 January 2021 and 6 March 2021 during the calving season. Thirty of the animals were fitted with GNSS-equipped collars (Smart Paddock, Vic., Australia) that captured data at 10 min intervals. Parturition events were recorded daily by visual observation. Collected data were used to calculate key predictive features related to calving behaviour. Derived features were compared and assessed for changes in the period surrounding parturition. Key results: Increases were observed in distance to nearest neighbour and to herd aggregate features, and decreases were observed in paddock utilisation and distance travelled features in the lead-up to calving (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of animals within a 20 m radius decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the lead up to parturition, supporting known isolation behaviours. Conclusions: With further development of predictive algorithms, on-animal sensors may be valuable in the prediction of calving events in extensive beef production systems. Implications: Remote management and monitoring with on-animal sensor technologies, such as GNSS collars and tags, will provide producers with an additional means of monitoring their animals, while overcoming many of the management challenges associated with extensive grazing operations.

The current case study reports on the application of a novel coaching approach in the context of a semiprofessional League of Legends team competing in Europe. The case study aimed to develop the coordinative tendencies of the team by applying a constraints-led approach that manipulated the practice environment to promote specific goal-directed behavior. The present study outlines the objectives of League of Legends, the needs analysis, intervention development, intervention delivery, and feedback from the players in regard to the effectiveness of the intervention and their development. Finally, the present study provides personal reflections from the practitioner, who was applying contemporary skill-acquisition approaches in esports for the first time.

Esports coaches are integral to the development, performance, and overall success of esports players. Sharing the same high-pressure environment, they are likely exposed to similar stressors that can affect not only their effectiveness as coaches but also their personal well-being. Despite their critical role, esports coaches often lack access to structured development programs and support systems. To inform future research enabling tailored intervention strategies for coaches, this study explored the stressors faced by esports coaches and the coping strategies they employ. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 12 male esports coaches, this study reports stressors associated with coaches navigating performance and interpersonal demands (e.g., underperforming players, player attitudes), organizational demands (e.g., organizational pressure), social exposure (e.g., social media comments), and boundaries of personal and professional life (e.g., work-life balance). Coaches discussed fostering a supportive environment, rest as a relational and professional practice, and managing focus, emotion, and meaning to cope with stressors. Findings demonstrate similarities with previous research on esports players and coaches in traditional sports, highlighting a combination of work-related and personal stressors. Esports coaches placed less emphasis on social stressors but highlighted the role of personal stressors. Insights underscore the need for research examining personal (e.g., gender) and situational factors (e.g., organizations), and practical interventions such as communication training and better support to reduce burnout and improve stress management. Ultimately, understanding and addressing these stressors can optimize coaches' well-being and professional development, leading to better support for players and improved performance.