Gaming-Related Ergonomic Factors and Regional Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Professional and Amateur Video Gamers in Nigeria: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among video gamers, but evidence regarding their association with gaming-related ergonomic factors remains limited, particularly among Nigerian gamers. This study examined associations between gaming-related ergonomic factors and musculoskeletal symptoms among professional and amateur video gamers in Nigeria. Methods We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of 120 adult Nigerian video gamers recruited between September and December 2024 in Enugu State, Nigeria. Participants comprised 60 professional and 60 amateur gamers. Gaming characteristics and ergonomic factors, including prolonged static sitting, sustained neck/trunk posture, repetitive upper-limb activity, upper-limb support, workstation configuration, and gaming breaks, were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Musculoskeletal symptoms across nine anatomical regions were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire-Extended. Binary logistic regression examined crude and adjusted associations with musculoskeletal symptoms in any region during the preceding 12 months. Results Mean age was 24.8 ± 4.2 years, and 99 (82.5%) were male. Overall, 78 (65.0%) reported musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one region. Most affected regions were the neck (46.7%), lower back (40.8%), shoulders (35.8%), and wrists/hands (30.0%). Prolonged static sitting affected 77 (64.2%), sustained neck/trunk posture 69 (57.5%), repetitive upper-limb activity 73 (60.8%), and infrequent gaming breaks 64 (53.3%). Adjusted analysis showed higher odds with prolonged static sitting (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.01–4.46), sustained neck/trunk posture (aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.05–4.94), infrequent gaming breaks (aOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.09–5.34), and longer gaming duration (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14). Professional gaming status was not independently associated. Conclusions Musculoskeletal symptoms were common among Nigerian gamers. Prolonged static sitting, sustained neck/trunk posture, infrequent breaks, and longer gaming duration were associated with higher odds of symptoms. Prospective studies using objective exposure measures and validated gaming-specific ergonomic instruments are warranted.