Gaming has become a global cultural phenomenon, with an estimated 3.09 billion gamers worldwide, according to a report from Exploding Topics. As games have evolved, becoming more sophisticated and realistic, so have the tools used to enhance the gaming experience. Among these is the gaming chair – plush, reclining, equipped with speakers, and hugged in soft material- the modern gamer’s throne. Yet, for all their perceived benefits, gaming chairs can pose unexpected health risks.
Jason Adler, a software engineer from Repocket, states,
“The allure of virtual conquests often blinds gamers to the genuine dangers their bodies face, sedentary and stationary in their gaming chairs for hours on end.”
Understanding the Impact of Gaming Chairs
A post from LinkedIn states that all gamers need a gaming chair. But the Repocket team disagrees. They think misusing this chair can hurt you instead of keeping you safe.
1. Poor Posture
Gaming chairs are designed for comfort during extended use, encouraging long periods of sitting. Such prolonged sitting can contribute to poor posture and back and neck pain. According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, poor posture can also be caused by prolonged sitting.
Jason Adler, a software engineer at Repocket, advises gamers to “Get up and move around every half an hour to an hour to prevent muscle stiffness and poor blood circulation.”
2. Musculoskeletal Disorder
Adjustments in gaming chairs may seem like luxury features, but improper use can strain the musculoskeletal system, leading to disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or even disc bulges. Based on research from BMJ Journals, 1 out of 10 gamers develop musculoskeletal disorders due to excessive gaming.
“Be conscious of how you sit and adjust your chair to avoid these issues,”Adler urges.
3. Extra Sedentary Time
Gaming chairs designed to hold drinks and snacks promote even longer sedentary periods, encouraging unhealthy food habits and contributing to obesity and its related health risks. The Nature reports a strong connection between gaming and eating unhealthy foods.
According to Adler,
“Balancing gaming time with physical activity is crucial to avoiding these health problems.”
4. Mental Health Damage
Sitting in a comfortable gaming chair can create an illusion of a protective bubble, leading to isolation and diminished social interaction. This can potentially harm mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. An article from Game Quitters shows most gamers develop aggressiveness and anxiousness due to gaming.
Adler advises gamers to
“maintain connections with the outside world to protect their mental wellbeing.”
5. Vision Problems
These comfortable chairs often cause gamers to lose track of time, contributing to extended screen time. This can lead to eye strain, headaches, and even long-term vision damage. Calgary Family Eye Doctors states that gaming forces your eyes to remain focused on constantly moving graphics, which can be harmful.
Adler reminds us,
“Regular screen breaks to relax your eyes can be beneficial.”
Protecting Your Health: Safety Tips
1. Correct Posture
Align your back with your chair’s backrest and adjust your seating to ensure you’re at eye level with your monitor.
2. Regularly Stretch
Take short breaks to stand, walk about, and stretch your limbs. Breaking up sitting periods can lower the risk of body aches and weight gain.
3. Proper Adjustment
Make proper adjustments to the chair, including the armrests and seat height, to ensure ergonomic support and lower the risk of musculoskeletal troubles.
4. Balance Gaming with Physical Activity
Engage in regular physical activity. Balance indoor recreational time with time spent outdoors, exercising, or engaging in other physical activities.
While gaming chairs can heighten the gaming experience, awareness and action can mitigate the associated health risks. The gaming arena is as much about maintaining a balanced lifestyle as it is about thrilling victories and immersive experiences.
Remember Jason Adler’s advice,
“The irony of gaming is the peril it poses to the very individuals seeking escape, as gamers sit ensnared in their gaming chairs, oblivious to the physical risks lurking behind the screens.”
