Aeron vs. Gaming Chair - Performance, Perception and Muscle Stiffness in Video Game Players: A Comparative Investigation

Abstract

This study compared an Aeron office chair and a commercial gaming chair (GC) on muscle stiffness (MS), performance, and perceptions during a 2-hour gaming session. Thirty-three esports players (23 ± 4.9) signed consent to participate in this mixed-methods randomized study. Subjects played League of Legends (LoL) in a controlled environment for two 2-hour sessions. MS was measured using oscillation frequency. Investigators recorded evaluations, game statistics, and player perceptions. Descriptive statistics showed lower MS in the thoracic and lumbar region (left -4.4% vs. 0.32%; -2.7% vs. -2.1%; right 0.2% vs. 8.3%; 7% vs. 10.8%). The upper shoulder was higher in the GC only on the right (9.2% vs. -6.4; left 4.7 vs. 7.5). Most participants preferred the GC (58%), and players won 25% more and achieved 15% more kills in the GC. The GC exhibited lower levels of muscle stiffness in the thoracic and lumbar regions. This data suggests that the GC is the preferred choice among this group of LoL gamers and is associated with enhanced performance.