952 - Musculoskeletal Pain and Ergonomic Practices in Competitive Gamers: A Statewide Survey Study

Objectives: Musculoskeletal pain is increasingly recognized among competitive gamers, yet concrete data is limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and contributing factors of musculoskeletal pain among adult participants in organized esports programs and clubs across Kentucky with a focus on ergonomic practices and gaming habits.

Design: A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was distributed via esports program leaders to adult (≥18 years) participants in Kentucky-based esports teams. The Qualtrics survey included demographic questions, gaming frequency, pain history, ergonomic awareness, and use of ergonomic equipment. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses.

Results: Twenty-two participants completed the survey. Most were male (86%), aged 18–24 years (64%), and Caucasian (77%). The majority played both PC and console games, most often first-person shooters (68%) and role-playing games (41%). Weekly gameplay averaged 11–20 hours for 36% of respondents, 21+ hours for 27%, and 6–10 hours for 27%. Over half (55%) reported musculoskeletal discomfort in the past month. The most common pain locations were eyestrain/headaches (45%), neck (36%), low back (32%), and wrists (27%). Ergonomic consideration while gaming was reported as “always” by 36%, “sometimes” by 50%, and “never” by 9%. 41% of respondents used no ergonomic tools (such as wrist rests, gaming chairs, or adjustable desks). 73% of respondents had never received ergonomic training. 68% of respondents expressed interest or possible interest in learning in esports health education.

Conclusions: Over half of surveyed Kentucky esports players reported recent musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly visual strain/headaches, neck pain, and back pain. Ergonomic awareness was inconsistent with limited access to training or tools. These findings highlight the need for targeted education and ergonomic interventions within esports programs to reduce pain and optimize player health.