Gaming Injuries: A Growing Concern for Gamers
Most Severely Damaging Incidents in Video Game Playing History
Gaming has become a multi-billion dollar industry, with revenues reaching $91 billion in 2016 [1]. As gaming continues to evolve, so do the potential health risks associated with prolonged play. Here's an overview of some common gaming-related injuries and their causes.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Many gaming-related injuries are informal names for repetitive strain injuries or overuse syndromes. These conditions are often caused by repetitive hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, or eye strain from gaming activities. Some examples include:
- 3D Optical Disorder: This term refers to eye strain or visual fatigue caused by prolonged use of 3D screens or virtual reality headsets, leading to headaches, blurred vision, or discomfort from the eyes working harder to focus on stereoscopic images [1].
- Atari Skinning: This is a repetitive friction injury or abrasion on the fingers or palms from prolonged gripping and rubbing on older joystick or controller surfaces.
- FPS Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Intensive mouse and wrist use in first-person shooter (FPS) games can increase the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand [1].
- Nintendo Arthritis: This colloquial term refers to repetitive strain injury or tendonitis due to intensive button pressing and thumb movements on Nintendo controllers.
- PlayStation Thumb: Similar to Nintendo Arthritis, this refers to tendinitis or inflammation in the thumb caused by rapid or repetitive button pressing on a PlayStation controller [1].
- WASD Syndrome: Named after the common keyboard keys used for movement in PC gaming, it describes repetitive strain or tendinitis in the fingers or wrist from extensive keyboard use.
- WiiMote Shoulder Dislocation: This injury may be caused by forceful or repeated swinging motions using the Wii remote controller, which could lead to shoulder strain or, in extreme cases, dislocation due to abrupt or violent arm movements.
- Xbox Hypertrophy: This condition possibly refers to muscle enlargement or strain in the hand/forearm due to repetitive gripping or exertion with the Xbox controller.
Other Health Risks
In addition to repetitive strain injuries, other health risks associated with gaming include:
- Eye strain, neck pain, and lower back pain: These are prevalent due to poor posture and prolonged screen time in gaming [1].
- Shoulder dislocations and other injuries: Urban myths about injuries and accidents, including shoulder dislocations from competitive gaming, have been associated with the WiiMote [2].
Preventing Gaming Injuries
To prevent gaming injuries, it's essential to practice ergonomic practices, take regular breaks, and maintain proper posture. Understanding the potential health risks associated with gaming can help gamers make informed decisions about their gaming habits and prioritize their health.
[1] Healthline. (2021). Gaming Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention. [Online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/gaming-injuries
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Wii Fit: Exercise and injury prevention tips. [Online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/wii-fit/art-20045051
[3] BBC News. (2016). Gaming industry hits $91bn in global revenues. [Online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-37099360
[4] Healthline. (2021). How to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. [Online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/carpal-tunnel/symptoms-causes#treatment-and-prevention
- A gamer who enjoys blogging might write about the latest gadgets, such as advanced gaming controllers, and discuss how technology is constantly progressing to improve gameplay experience, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries by improving ergonomics.
- After a long session at the casino, the gamer might relax by reading a tech blog on their tablet, learning about new advancements in 3D screens and virtual reality headsets that could potentially reduce the occurrence of 3D Optical Disorder, a common gaming-related eye strain issue.
