The optimum weight of controllers for arm muscle activity in playing physical video games

Frequently using underweight or overweight video game controllers may lead to musculoskeletal discomfort and symptoms in forearms, upper arms and shoulders. Differently weighted controller being played at the same frequency may have varied effects on forearm, upper arm, and shoulder muscle activity. Each of the twenty-five subjects repetitively performed the task of simulating playing tennis with each of the five different weight controller at the same frequency on video game. The extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum, flexor carpi ulnaris, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, posterior deltoid and upper trapezius muscle activity were recorded by surface electromyography and the right shoulder postures were registered by an electrogoniometer, and then the recorded data were analyzed by the one-way ANOVA. The lowest ECU, ED, FCU, AD, MD, PD, and Trap muscle activity all occurred in using the controller 140G. To play at a preset waving frequency, selecting and using a corresponding optimally weighted controller could provide users more neutral arm postures to reduce the forearm, upper arm and shoulder muscle activity and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.