Comparison of Hand Grip Strength in Addicted versus Non-Addicted Video Game Players

Background: Hand grip strength plays an essential role in performing many activities of daily living and is commonly assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. In recent years, video gaming has become increasingly popular, with adults spending more time playing games, which may contribute to the development of gaming addiction. Excessive video gaming has been associated with reduced physical activity and various health issues, including anxiety, stress, headaches, sleep disturbances, eye strain, and poor posture. Objective: To compare hand grip strength between addicted and non-addicted video game players. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Lahore over six months from September 2024 to March 2025. The target population included males and females aged 18–25 years who played video games for 4–6 hours daily using consoles such as PlayStation or Xbox. The study followed the Helsinki Declaration on Human Rights, and informed voluntary consent was obtained from all participants. Demographic data, including age, gender, and body mass index, were collected through a self-administered proforma, and video game addiction was assessed using an 11-item questionnaire. Hand grip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test; as the data were non-normal, the Mann-Whitney U test was applied for group comparison, and Spearman correlation was used to determine relationships between variables. Results: There were 154 participants, of whom 79 were addicted (51.3%) and 75 were non-addicted (48.7%) players. The mean±S.D of hand grip strength in addicted males (Right hand 30.50±5.78 kg; Left hand 28.79±4.78kg), in non-addicted males (Right hand 37.71±3.02kg; Left hand 35.80±2.8kg). The mean±S.D of hand grip strength in addicted females (Right hand 20.11±3.84 kg; Left hand 17.41±2.54kg), in non-addicted females (Right hand 24.16±3.68kg; Left hand 21.96±3.68kg). Conclusion: It was concluded that addicted video game players had weaker hand grip strength as compared to non-addicted video game players. While addicted males show the lowest strength among the groups. Video game addiction was also associated with higher BMI, suggesting that excessive gaming may negatively affect both musculoskeletal function and overall health.