A Cross-Sectional Survey on Musculoskeletal Pain Among Professional and Non-Professional Gamers in Saudi Arabia: Associations with Gaming Genre, Duration, and Ergonomic Factors

Samiah Alqabbani,1 Reema Fahad Alhussaini,1 Shumukh Abdullah Alsaedan,1 Manar Khalid Alfaqi,1 Reema I Almudaifer,1 Najd Mohammed Zain Aldeen,1 Hanan A Alsaeed,1 Maha F Algabbani,2 Wafa Alahmari,1 Afrah Almuwais,1 Madawi Alotaibi1 1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Rehabilitation Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Wafa Alahmari, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia, Email Wsalahmari@pnu.edu.saPurpose: Musculoskeletal (MSK) discomfort is a common concern among gamers globally, with prevalence estimates of 60– 80%. Risk factors include prolonged sitting, awkward postures, repetitive hand use, and inadequate hardware setups. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and association of MSK pain with game genre, device type, and gaming duration among gamers in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on comparing professional and non-professional gamers.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 593 Saudi gamers aged 18 years and older was conducted from February to April 2024 using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Demographic and gaming-related variables were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression to examine associations with MSK pain.Results: MSK pain was reported by 78.2% (neck 49.4%, lower back 40.0%). Pain was associated with gender, age, and genre. Females had higher odds of neck (OR 2.08) and shoulder pain (OR 2.43); puzzle with shoulder pain (OR 2.46); VR with lower neck odds (OR 0.36). Longer duration increased discomfort. Non-professionals more often reported neck/shoulder/lower-back pain; professionals more wrist/hand pain.Conclusion: MSK pain is highly prevalent among Saudi gamers and is associated with personal factors (eg, gender, age) as well as gaming genre. Competitive status may be associated with specific pain patterns, but ergonomic risk factors appear to be appear broadly relevant. Implementing targeted interventions that focus on posture, education, and proper gaming ergonomics may be warranted to help alleviate the MSK burden in this population.Keywords: gaming pain, MSK disorders, esports, neck/back pain, ergonomics, Saudi Arabia