Video gamers chair with arm rests and a storage place for headphones.

Video Gamers Ergonomics

Ergonomics studies efficiency in various environments. Video gamers’ ergonomics is the study of how the body reacts in the gaming atmosphere. The results from the interactions between the player and equipment can optimize future gaming environments. Furthermore, a video gamer’s habitat needs to support human capabilities.

Read more on relieving back strains, wrist aches, and body posture.

GAMING ERGONOMICS

Video gaming ergonomics can begin an assessment by noting eye position, foot placement, body posture, and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA). Sitting in a prolonged position for long periods can cause discomfort to the body. Pain can come from excessive force or repetitive motions like hitting the “E” key to take down the villain.

To illustrate, take a look below at what ergonomic modifications a video gamer can use to enhance their performance.

Modifications for GAMING STATIONs

Video gamers can upgrade their gaming stations, allowing them to play longer. Some ideas for ergonomic upgrading are monitors, keyboards, gaming chairs, gaming desks, and mouses. Here are a few tips to remember when shopping. A video gamer should have straight wrists, a monitor below eye level, and chairs with lumbar support.

Besides equipment adjustments, video gamers’ ergonomics encompasses the workspace. The gaming station and player need adequate lighting, regular breaks, regulated room temperature, and to stay hydrated.

Moreover, modifying a gaming habitat is the beginning of a video gamer’s ergonomic comfort.

Two computer monitors vertically aligned. A keyboard lays close to the monitor with an elbow pad before the keyboard.

Perks from Ergonomics

A workstation designed appropriately for video gamers will reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) and generally improve comfort. Maintaining a good posture aligns the spine, which decreases the stress on the musculoskeletal discs, muscles, and joints.

 Add-ons and accessories for devices can improve the gaming experience. A high-quality gaming headset with a microphone attachment will lessen the slouching over the computer desk and implement clear communication with teammates. Wrist rests, and ergonomic mouses reduce strain, allowing the gamer to battle more fiercely.

Taking time away from the screen can prevent eye dryness. The ergonomic tip for dry eyes is the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes, look away from the screen and focus on an object twenty feet away for twenty seconds.

 In addition, adjustable desks can provide breaks from sitting and help the gamer by continuing gameplay standing up. An adjustable desk has adjustable heights, improved viewing angles, easy configuration changes, accessibility, space management, cable management, mobility, and portability.

Conclusion

Whether video gaming is a hobby or a profession, it is important to consider ergonomics. All gaming stations are unique to the body of the gamer. The correct gaming station can promote comfort, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall gaming performance.  To sum it up, video gamers’ ergonomics help gamers’ bodies function naturally as the person plays.

Check out our Ferry Godmother Gaming World for more about gaming.