This study aimed to assess the ergonomic risks associated with three common mouse grip styles (palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip) among FPS players using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). A secondary objective was to measure average wrist angles across the different grip styles to determine their impact on injury risk.
A cross-sectional study design was used. Forty-six casual FPS gamers aged 18-45 years old, who predominantly played first-person shooter games on personal computers, were recruited through social media. Each participant recorded a 30-minute gaming session, during which two camera views were used to capture the players' wrist angles. The ergonomic risk was assessed using RULA, and wrist flexion and wrist angle data were analyzed using Kinovea, a 2D motion analysis software. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the correlation between grip style, wrist angle, and ergonomic risk.
Of the 46 participants, 19 used a palm grip, 17 used a claw grip, and 10 used a fingertip grip. The mean wrist angles were 167.39° ± 7.98 for palm grip, 167.80° ± 10.11 for fingertip grip, and 169.45° ± 8.84 for claw grip. Palm grip users exhibited higher ergonomic risks based on RULA scores compared to claw and fingertip grip users. However, logistic regression analysis did not find statistically significant predictors of injury risk based on grip style, wrist flexion, or wrist angle.
The study underscored the significance of considering grip style in ergonomic assessments for FPS players. Palm grip is associated with higher ergonomic risks during prolonged gaming sessions, suggesting that it may place increased strain on the upper limbs. Despite the lack of statistically significant results from the regression analysis, the findings highlight the need for ergonomic interventions, particularly for palm grip users, to minimize potential musculoskeletal risks in gaming.
This study emphasizes the importance of educating gamers, especially casual FPS players, about the ergonomic risks related to mouse grip styles and proper wrist posture. The results can be translated into physiotherapy practice by developing targeted interventions for gamers, such as promoting the use of alternative grip styles or recommending ergonomic gaming peripherals to reduce strain. Future research should focus on dynamic postural analysis and extend to professional esports players to develop comprehensive injury prevention strategies.
Mouse Grip
Ergonomic Risks
