Gamers and Non-Gamers: Differences in User Performance, Muscle Activity, and Fitts’ Law for Different Mouse Control-Display Gain

This study investigated the differences in muscle activity and user performance between gamers and non-gamers under different computer mouse control-display gain settings. A total of 15 gamers and 15 non-gamers were recruited to perform five 30-min Fitts’ Law tasks under five different control-display gain configurations. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to monitor muscle activity in the extensor digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum superficialis. User performance measures were recorded using GoFitts software. The results showed differences in upper limb muscle activity and task performance between the two groups. Specifically, gamers showed superior performance compared to non-gamers, and muscle activity patterns varied inconsistently across gain settings. These findings may provide guidance for gamers in their choice of computer mouse control-display gains. The purpose of this study is to provide a reference for the design of a special mouse for gamers based on sEMG signal analysis and user performance analysis.