Musculoskeletal risks of exergaming in adults: an observational cross-sectional study

Introduction: The past decade has seen a rapid increase in interest in using exergaming (exercise + gaming) for Physical Therapy (PT) management of adults. Exergaming utilizes an electronic device to allow participants to play a video game requiring physical movement while simultaneously receiving performance feedback on a monitor. Although potential sources of musculoskeletal risks may be present, evidence concerning musculoskeletal risks associated with exergaming is limited. The purpose of this study is to explore the body segments associated with musculoskeletal risk in exergaming among adults using the REBA tool and to assess the degree of musculoskeletal risk present using the participant’s demographic data in conjunction with REBA tool scores. Methods: An observational, analytic cross-sectional study design was utilized. Participants from the community who had exergaming as part of their PT management were recruited. Included participants were observed and assessed for 15 minutes using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) while performing exergaming with either Aerobic or Balance exercises. Demographic characteristics were analyzed descriptively while spearman’s correlation was utilized to explore the relationship between the REBA final score and subscales. Results: Twenty-four participants with mean age (±SD) of 27.13 (9.57) were recruited (14 (58%) female & 10 (42%) male). The Mean REBA score is 5.38. Significant correlations were found between the final REBA score and Upper arm (rs = 0.80, p < 0.001), Arm + Wrist (rs= 0.68, p = < 0.001), and Table C-partial REBA score (rs= 0.84, p = < 0.001). Demographic variables and the final REBA score were not significantly correlated. Discussion: Moderate risk is observed in balance and aerobic exercises during exergaming which warrants further investigations. Decreasing Upper arm and Arm + Wrist arm scores may decrease the final REBA score as these scores possess greater weight due to the correlation between the scores and the final REBA score. Exergaming remains a possible alternative for simulating activities and exercises as it allows for a consistent and controlled environment while presenting with great potential to reduce the level of musculoskeletal disease risk.