Gender Differences in User Performance and Muscle Activity across Varied Mouse Control-Display Gains for Fitts’ task

This study examined how gender differences shape distinct user performance and muscle control patterns in pointing tasks across varying computer mouse control-display gain settings. A total of 17 female and 15 male participants completed five 30-min Fitts’ Tasks under five distinct control-display gain configurations. Surface electromyography monitored muscle activity in the extensor digitorum, extensor carpi ulnaris, and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles, while GoFitts software recorded performance metrics. Results revealed differences in upper limb muscle activity and task performance between groups: As control-display gain varied, female users demonstrated higher and more stable accuracy, while male users exhibited more pronounced changes in muscle movement patterns. These findings provide practical recommendations for CDG settings tailored to different genders, offering insights into personalized human-computer interaction design.