Playing chess
Playing chess has been studied in 3 papers since 2018: 3 observational studies in people; 1 in the past year. The newest paper, Feb 5, 2026: “The association between cognitive leisure activities, mobility, participation and physical activities among community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria”.
3 papers study it2 findingsUpdated
See all 3 papers on playing chess
At a glance
The findings reach people, from one lab or study. 1 lab in 1 country.
“chess players reported lower rates of injury compared to Masters Athletes”
None of its findings points the other way.
- 1 lab in 1 country
- Funders: York University and 1 more
- Humans3
What is playing chess linked with?
2Studies link playing chess with 2 measures: chronic disease and physical injuries.
Chronic disease
downin humans1
1 study
Chronic disease
downin humans1
Playing chess is associated with chronic disease in humans (chess players compared with moderately active and inactive groups).
“chess players reported lower rates of injury compared to Masters Athletes as well as lower prevalence of chronic diseases compared to the moderately active and inactive groups.”
Humanschess players compared with moderately active and inactive groupsmales
European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity
Physical injuries
downin humans1
1 study
Physical injuries
downin humans1
Playing chess is associated with physical injuries in humans (chess players compared with Masters Athletes).
“chess players reported lower rates of injury compared to Masters Athletes”
Humanschess players compared with Masters Athletesmales
European review of aging and physical activity : official journal of the European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity