Spine Kinematics in Computer Gaming: Comparisons Between First Person Shooter Skill Level, Games, and Chairs

This study evaluated natural spine kinematics in computer gaming. In two chairs, 8 Low and 8 High skill Valorant gamers played three games. Trunk-thigh and spine motion tracking were performed. Compared to Low skill gamers (trunk-thigh = 93.5°, lumbar = 41.8 %Max), High skill gamers (trunk-thigh = 104.2°, lumbar = 46.2 %Max) demonstrated more forward leaning postures ( p ≥ .071) and larger lumbar postural changes during Rest ( p ≤ .034). Most spine movement occurred between game rounds in the lumbar spine. Gamer workstation design and educational interventions should aim to support gamers in natural forward leaning postures, promote spine movements, particularly during rest, and encourage reductions in prolonged spine flexion.