Prevalence and Awareness of Musculoskeletal Injuries Associated With Competitive Video Gaming in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundIn recent years, the use of electronic devices has become an important part of the lives of adolescents who regularly use computers for academic activities and leisure. The excessive use of these devices has been associated with several health problems, such as obesity, headaches, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, and musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of musculoskeletal injuries associated with competitive video gaming in Saudi Arabia. MethodologyThis descriptive, cross-sectional study targeted all individuals involved in competitive video gaming aged 18 years or older in Saudi Arabia. The data were collected using a researcher-initiated online questionnaire. The final electronic questionnaire contained questions on participants' data, frequency and pattern of playing competitive video gaming, the associated musculoskeletal injuries, the most reported sites, and the associated consequences. The final questionnaire was sent to the participants via social media platforms and no more answers were obtained. ResultsA total of 116 competitive video gaming participants were included. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 48 years, with a mean age of 22.5. The majority of the participants were males (86.2%; 100). A total of 100 (86.2%) participants had at least one site-associated musculoskeletal injury, while only 16 (13.8%) had none. Regarding sites, the most reported sites included the lower back (63.8%), neck (50%), hand/wrist (44.8%), and shoulder (35.3%). A total of 58 (50.4%) thought that competing in electronic game tournaments negatively affects the musculoskeletal system, and 43 (37.1%) had an idea that competing in electronic gaming tournaments is linked to conditions such as tendinopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive stress injuries. ConclusionsThis study showed that the majority of competitive video gamers had musculoskeletal injuries mainly at the lower back, neck, hand/ wrist, and shoulder. A higher pain rate was reported among females and new gamers.

Physical complaints and their relationships to esports activities among Japanese esports players: A cross-sectional study

“…11 Furthermore, a study of competitive video gaming in Saudi Arabia showed that the most reported sites of injuries included the lower back (63.8%), neck (50%), hand/wrist (44.8%), and shoulder (35.3%). 12 The proportion of esports athletes with physical complaints in Japan is thought to be similar to that of these previous findings, but no empirical study has been conducted.…”

“…11 Furthermore, a study of competitive video gaming in Saudi Arabia showed that the most reported sites of injuries included the lower back (63.8%), neck (50%), hand/wrist (44.8%), and shoulder (35.3%). 12 The proportion of esports athletes with physical complaints in Japan is thought to be similar to that of these previous findings, but no empirical study has been conducted. Furthermore, differences in the proportion of those with physical complaints by attributes such as age, body size, and esports level (professional or amateur) have not been examined among esports players.…”

“…Fathuldeen et al showed that 44.8% of competitive video gaming players in Saudi Arabia reported hand/wrist injuries. 12 Unlike other body parts, the wrists and fingers require repetitive movements during esports activities. These repetitive movements may underpin wrist and finger pain.…”

“…Regarding physical complaints, the following seven items were established that had been prevalent among esports players in previous studies: [9][10][11][12] headache, neck pain, stiff or sore shoulders, wrist pain, finger pain, lower back pain, and eye fatigue. Respondents were asked about the presence or absence of each item.…”

“…10 A study in Saudi Arabia showed that the duration of playing video games and the days played per month were inversely associated with musculoskeletal disorders, with gamers who played for 1-5 years showing a higher rate of musculoskeletal disorders than those who played for more than 10 years. 12 Another study reported that career duration was not significantly associated with ease of eyestrain or leg numbness. 11 Considering the previous studies, the duration of esports play and the amount of time played per day may have little relationship with physical complaints.…”