Utilization of Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program for Improving Posture in Monitor-Based e-Gamers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Over the last five years, e-sports has grown rapidly, increasing the need to address e-gamer health within sports medicine, as prolonged screen exposure and sitting may lead to posture-related musculoskeletal issues. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a Combined Corrective Exercise Program (CCEP) in improving common postural problems among e-gamers, including forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and scapular dyskinesis. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 20 participants aged 18–35 years presenting with postural deviations. Baseline assessment used the REEDCO Posture Assessment Tool, Flesche Postural Test, and Scapular Dyskinesis Test. Participants were assigned to either a CCEP group or a control group performing conventional stretching, with interventions conducted three times per week for four weeks. Results showed that the CCEP group demonstrated significant improvements in postural alignment, with higher REEDCO scores and lower Flesche scores compared to controls. Forward head posture and rounded shoulders improved significantly in the CCEP group. Scapular winging decreased from 50% to 20%, and scapular dysrhythmia decreased from 100% to 70%, while no improvements were observed in the control group, although these changes were not statistically significant. The findings suggest that CCEP is more effective than conventional stretching in improving posture among e-gamers. Longer intervention periods and additional assessment tools are recommended to further address scapular dysfunction and postural asymmetry.