Global Research & Clinical Network
An international community of hand surgeons, upper limb specialists and sports medicine physicians advancing the care, research, and education of Esports athlete health.
Our Mission
HANDS exists to close the scientific and clinical gap for upper limb care in competitive digital sports.
Generate evidence on injury mechanisms, prevalence and outcomes specific to Esports athletes.
Share knowledge across borders through publications, talks and collaborative training.
Translate findings into protocols that improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of upper limb disorders.
Governance
A decentralized structure designed for international collaboration and committee-led decision-making.
The Assembly approves the bylaws, elects the Board, and sets structural direction. Effective members and cofounders hold voting rights; associate and institutional members take part with voice.
Executive body responsible for day-to-day governance, strategic planning, and oversight of the Permanent Committees.
Four permanent committees, each responsible for a strategic area: Scientific, Education, Ethics & Compliance, and Institutional Relations. Working groups — including the Technology Observatory — operate under a committee with a defined scope.
Research
Lines of investigation that guide the network's projects and publications.
Studies on nerve and muscle function in digital athletes.
Movement patterns and mechanical stress in Esports practice.
Strategies to prevent repetitive strain injuries in competitive players.
Evidence-based research through structured data collection.
Awareness and best practices for clinicians and players.
Latest Activity
Aligning the first cofounders on the inaugural research agenda.
First collective statement on the state of upper limb care in Esports — in preparation.
HANDS opens applications for founding members across all relevant specialties.
Join Us
Open to hand surgeons, orthopedists, sports medicine physicians, physical therapists and allied specialists.