Gamers and Geeks Urgently Need Ergonomics

A number of recent reports have examined the changing ways in which technology is being routinely used by the young and the ways in which these technolgies are affecting physical development and musculoskeletal disorders.

It is not unusual for young gamers to spend up to 16 hours a day playing on their Playstations, Xboxes, Gamecubes or computers. The interfaces for these devices often make excessive use of the users’ thumbs. This has led to many gamers favouring their thumbs over their forefingers for routine digit use. Many healthcare professionals report that they expect there to be a significant increase in the number of repetetive strain injury cases in the imminent future and that there will also be an increase in the number of cases of arthritis as these avid gamers get older and their joints become affected.

The amount of time that children and youngsters spend on computers and playing games means that they are most at risk from the ergonomic hazards associated with the use of these devices. Whereas once kids would spend their spare time playing football and other physical games, today they are more likely to spend their time texting their friends or playing computer games.

It takes an average of 5 to 10 years of bad practice for RSI related issues to develop. This means that the teenagers of today will be the workers with backache, neck strain and wrist strain of tomorrow. There is particular concern over the poor ergonomics in school computer labs where workstations are expected to match the requirements of all students regardless of their size and shape. In an office we will tend to use the same workstation every day and employers are more likely to provide appropriately designed ergonomic office furniture that is adjusted appropriately for our size.

Unless the young gamers and techie geeks of today are made fully aware of the potential hazards of RSI and educated in how to minimise the negative effects of their habitual hobbies, pass times and activities then their employers of tomorrow may find themselves bearing the costs.