IJPR.2025.171
Type of Article: Original Research
Volume 14; Issue 1 (February 2026)
Page No.: 4961-4973
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2025.171
Prevalence of Neuromuscular Pain and Injuries in Recreational Computer Gamers
Prayag Sahebrao Dangat 1, Gaurai Gharote 2
1 Indutai Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
2 Professor Musculoskeletal Sciences, Indutai Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Address for the Correspondence: Dr. Prayag Dangat, Sr.no-15/21, Shivratna Banglow, near Pride English School, Ambegaon Pathar, Pune 411046, Maharashtra, India. E-Mail: prayag292000@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Background: Recreational computer gaming has become a dominant leisure activity among young adults, yet its musculoskeletal and neuromuscular health consequences remain underexplored compared to professional e‑sports. Prolonged static postures, repetitive fine motor actions, and inadequate ergonomic practices may predispose gamers to pain and injuries.
Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of neuromuscular pain and injuries among recreational personal computer (PC) gamers aged 18–30 years.
Methods: A cross‑sectional observational study was conducted over six months using an online self‑structured questionnaire. A total of 123 recreational PC gamers were recruited via snowball sampling. Data on demographics, gaming exposure, ergonomic practices, pain characteristics, and functional impact were collected. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence patterns, while chi‑square tests assessed associations between pain severity and selected variables (p < 0.05).
Results: Participants had a mean age of 23.36 ± 2.91 years; 67% were male. Overall, 51.2% reported neuromuscular pain, most frequently in the neck (54%), lower back (34%), and eyes (32%). Pain severity was predominantly mild (49%), though 12% reported severe or very severe symptoms. Significant associations were observed between pain severity and weekly gaming exposure (χ² = 20.59, p = 0.05), daily exposure (χ² = 12.10, p = 0.04), and posture adjustment frequency (χ² = 17.16, p = 0.02). Despite recurring pain, only 22% sought medical attention, while many relied on self‑management strategies such as ice/heat therapy or physiotherapy.
Conclusion: Recreational PC gamers demonstrate a high prevalence of mild to moderate neuromuscular pain, strongly influenced by gaming duration, posture, and ergonomic practices. Underutilization of healthcare services highlights the need for awareness campaigns, ergonomic interventions, and preventive physiotherapy strategies to mitigate gaming‑related health risks in young adults.
Keywords: Recreational computer gaming, Neuromuscular pain, Musculoskeletal injuries, Ergonomics, Posture.
REFERENCES
[1]. Fathuldeen A, Alshammiri MF, Abdulmohsen A. Prevalence and Awareness of Musculoskeletal Injuries Associated With Competitive Video Gaming in Saudi Arabia. Cureus. 2023 Apr 17
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.37733
[2]. Reem Basuodan, A Aljebreen, Sobih HA, Majrashi KA, Almutairi NH, Alhaqbani SS, et al. The impact of electronic gaming on upper-limb neuropathies among esports athletes. Medycyna Pracy. 2023 Oct 24;74(4):279-87.
https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.01421
PMid:37966384
[3]. Shen Y, Cicchella A. Health Consequences of Intensive E-Gaming: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023 Jan 20;20(3):1968.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031968
PMid:36767334 PMCid:PMC9915906
[4]. McGee C, Hwu M, Nicholson LL, Ho KKN. More Than a Game: Musculoskeletal Injuries and a Key Role for the Physical Therapist in Esports. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2021 Sep;51(9):415-7.
https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2021.0109
PMid:34465141
[5]. Cyma-Wejchenig M, Maciaszek J, Ciążyńska J, Stemplewski R. The Level of Physical Activity, E-Game-Specific Reaction Time, and Self-Evaluated Health and Injuries’ Occurrence in Non-Professional Esports Players. Electronics [Internet]. 2024 Jun 14;13(12):2328.
https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13122328
[6]. Lindberg L, Nielsen SB, Damgaard M, Sloth OR, Rathleff MS, Straszek CL. Musculoskeletal pain is common in competitive gaming: a cross-sectional study among Danish esports athletes. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2020 Aug;6(1):000799.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000799
PMid:33585039 PMCid:PMC7876625
[7]. Attiah M, Almutairi G, Alnahdi F, Tamim H, Güneş L, Alrashid A. The prevalence of neck pain and low back pain among personal computer gamers in Saudi Arabia. Medical Science. 2022 Oct 2;26(128):1-11.
https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v26i128/ms391e2420
[8]. Tholl C, Bickmann P, Wechsler K, Froböse I, Grieben C. Musculoskeletal disorders in video gamers – a systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2022 Jul 16;23(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05614-0
PMid:35842605 PMCid:PMC9288077
[9]. Sant K, Stafrace KM. Upper Limb Injuries secondary to Overuse in the Esports community. Is this a rising epidemic? International Journal of Esports [Internet]. 2021 Dec 22;2(2).
[10]. Forman GN, Holmes MWR. Upper-Body Pain in Gamers: An Analysis of Demographics and Gaming Habits on Gaming-Related Pain and Discomfort. Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports. 2023 Jan 1;1(1).
https://doi.org/10.1123/jege.2022-0018
[11]. Phong T, Long T, Tuan L, Kristina K. Orthopedic Injuries from Video Games: A Literature Review and Implications for the Future. International Archives of Orthopaedic Surgery. 2020 Aug 31;3(2).
https://doi.org/10.23937/2643-4016/1710020
PMid:32002172
[12]. Ashok K, Purushothaman VK, Muniandy Y. Prevalence of Forward Head Posture in Electronic Gamers and Associated Factors. International Journal of Aging Health and Movement [Internet]. 2020 Sep 27;2(2):19-27.
[13]. Martorana A, Guarneri B, Gujral I, Morrison L, Keane JF, Goldstein LB. The E-Sports Athlete Ergonomics: Carpal Tunnel and Common Injuries Related to Prolonged Gaming. J Community Med Public Health Rep. 2022;3(08).
https://doi.org/10.38207/JCMPHR/2022/OCT030801109
PMid:37383298 PMCid:PMC10306265
[14]. Staffan Ekefjärd, Ramana Piussi, Eric Hamrin Senorski. Physical symptoms among professional gamers within eSports, a survey study. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2024 Jan 15;16(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00810-y
PMid:38225628 PMCid:PMC10790447
[15]. Belyea CM, Rummel G, Lanham N, Krul KP. Upper Extremity and Musculoskeletal Injuries Related to Videogame and Augmented Reality Game Usage: A Narrative Review Article. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2025 Feb 13;18(5):201-6.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-025-09956-9
PMid:39946075 PMCid:PMC12014968
[16]. Booth-Malnack K. The Biological Basis of Nervous Tissue Repetitive Strain Injuries in eSports Competitors. Honors Thesis [Internet]. 2019 Apr 1;
[17]. Hakala PT, Saarni LA, Ketola RL, Rahkola ET, Salminen JJ, Rimpelä AH. Computer-associated health complaints and sources of ergonomic instructions in computer-related issues among Finnish adolescents: A cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2010 Jan 11;10(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-11
PMid:20064250 PMCid:PMC2836294
[18]. Artur Cieśla, Kochman M, Vašková M, Guzik A, Mariusz Drużbicki. ANALYSIS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES AMONG ADULT INTERNET GAMING PLAYERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY. Health Problems of Civilization [Internet]. 2025 Feb 20;19(2):194-206.
https://doi.org/10.5114/hpc.2024.146017
[19]. DalCortivo R, Ahn D, Amer K, Vosbikian M, Ahmed I. Incidence of Video Game-Related Upper Extremity Injuries in the United States. SurgiColl [Internet]. 2025 Mar 22 [cited 2025 Mar 30];3(1).
https://doi.org/10.58616/001c.126711
[20]. Kumar CS, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Senthil Amudhan, Arya S, Mahapatra S, Anand N, et al. Digital gaming, musculoskeletal, and related health hazards among adolescents and young adults. Indian Journal of Psychiatry [Internet]. 2023 Jun 1 [cited 2023 Oct 12];65(6):698-700.
https://doi.org/10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_818_22
PMid:37485403 PMCid:PMC10358808
[21]. Hakala PT, Rimpelä AH, Saarni LA, Salminen JJ. Frequent computer-related activities increase the risk of neck-shoulder and low back pain in adolescents. European Journal of Public Health [Internet]. 2006 Mar 8;16(5):536-41.
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckl025
PMid:16524936
[22]. Silva GRR, Pitangui ACR, Xavier MKA, Correia-Júnior MAV, De Araújo RC. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents and association with computer and videogame use. Jornal de Pediatria. 2016 Mar;92(2):188-96.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jped.2015.06.006
PMid:26738891
[23]. Pelletier VH, Lessard A, Piché F, Tétreau C, Descarreaux M. Video Games and Their Associations with Physical health: a Scoping Review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Oct 1;6(1).
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000832
PMid:33088585 PMCid:PMC7547538
[24]. Mi Y, Zhao S, Ju F. An integrated health management model to improve the health of professional e-sports athletes: a literature review. PeerJ. 2025 Apr 21;13:e19323-3.
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19323
PMid:40276298 PMCid:PMC12020735
[25]. Mondal R, S NG. Integrated analysis of health dynamics in esports: injury profiles, intervention strategies, and health optimization protocols. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health [Internet]. 2024 May 30 [cited 2024 Nov 5];11(6):2484-99.
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20241516
[26]. Samy S. Abu Naser, Al-Bayed MH. Detecting Health Problems Related to Addiction of Video Game Playing Using an Expert System [Internet]. Philpapers.org. 2016.
[27]. Yin K, Zi Y, Zhuang W, Gao Y, Tong Y, Song L, et al. Linking Esports to health risks and benefits: Current knowledge and future research needs. Journal of Sport and Health Science [Internet]. 2020 Dec 1;9(6):485-8.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2020.04.006
PMid:32417192 PMCid:PMC7749245
[28]. DiFrancisco-Donoghue J, Balentine J, Schmidt G, Zwibel H. Managing the health of the eSport athlete: an integrated health management model. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine [Internet]. 2019 Jan;5(1):e000467.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000467
PMid:30792883 PMCid:PMC6350739
[29]. Emara AK, Ng MK, Cruickshank JA, Kampert MW, Piuzzi NS, Schaffer JL, King D. Gamer’s health guide: optimizing performance, recognizing hazards, and promoting wellness in esports. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2020 Dec;19(12):537 45.
https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000787
PMid:33306517
[30]. Woo HC. An investigation of the relationship between electronic device usage and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among university students in Hong Kong by means of self-reported questionnaire, physical examinations and ultrasound imaging. Polyueduhk [Internet]. 2017;
[31]. Akinbinu TR, Mashalla YJ. Impact of computer technology on health: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Med Pract Rev. 2014 Nov;5(3):20-30.
[32]. Bartley EJ, Fillingim RB. Sex differences in pain: a brief review of clinical and experimental findings. Br J Anaesth. 2013 Jul;111(1):52-8.
https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/aet127
PMid:23794645 PMCid:PMC3690315
[33]. Keogh E, Nwasor EO, Boerner KE. Overview of sex and gender differences in human pain. Washington, DC: International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP); 2024.
[34]. Son C, Son D, An J, Cho S. Gender-dependent difference in the relationship between pain aspects and pain catastrophizing. Soc Behav Pers. 2019;47(2):e7718.
https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.7718
[35]. Etsey M, Fenton B, Marshall A. Pain management: reviewing research that highlights differences in pain assessment and management between patients. American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA); 2025.
[36]. Bunz U, Cortese J, Sellers N. Examining younger and older adults’ digital gaming habits and health measures. Gerontechnology. 2020;19(4):381-94.
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2020.19.04.381
[37]. Park SY, Yoo WG. Effects of the sustained computer work on upper cervical flexion motion. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014;26(3):441-2. doi:10.1589/jpts.26.441
https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.26.441
PMid:24707103 PMCid:PMC3976022
[38]. Joy EA, Mathai SM. The relationship between online gaming, emotional regulation and impulsivity in adolescents. Int J Indian Psychol. 2024;12(4):1242-7. doi:10.25215/1204.116
[39]. Darwesh A, Almalhan SB, Bahmeshan SB, Alghamdi AA, Alamari MBH, Qurban W. Impact of prolonged use of video gaming on grip and pinch strength in young adult. Glob J Hum Soc Sci H Interdiscip. 2023;23(8):29-36.
https://doi.org/10.34257/GJHSSHVOL23IS8PG29
[40]. Overå S, Bakken A, Hyggen C. Prevalence and characteristics of female and male esports players among Norwegian youth: a general population study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(9):1136.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091136
PMid:39338019 PMCid:PMC11431502
