Musculoskeletal pains among amateur and professional athletes of five disciplines in Senegal: a preliminary study

Abstract

Background Musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) in sport are cause of poor performances and loss of competition in athletes. The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSPs in relation to sport disciplines and athletic status. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 Senegalese professional and amateur athletes practicing football, basketball, rugby, tennis, athletics, and wrestling. Rates of MSPs were assessed in a year (MSPs-12) and a week (MSPs-7d) using standard questionnaires. Results Overall proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d were 70% and 74.2%, respectively. MSPs-12 were most frequently reported on shoulders (40.6%), neck (37.1%), and hips/thigh (34.4%) while MSPs-7d were predominant on hips/thigh (29.5%), shoulders (25.7%), and upper back (17.2%). Proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d were significantly varied by sport disciplines, with highest values in basketball players. Again, MSPs-12 proportions on shoulders (29.7%, P = 0.02), wrists/hands (34.6%, P = 0.001), (40.2%, P = 0.0002), and knees (38.8%, P = 0.002) were highest in basketball players. Highest proportion estimates for MSPs-7d were seen on shoulders (29.6%, P = 0.04) for tennis players, wrists/hands (29.4%, P = 0.03) for basketball and football players, and hips/thigh (38.8%, P < 0.00001) for basketball players. Football players had reduced risk of MSPs-12 on lower back (OR = 0.25; 95% CI. 0.10–0.63; P = 0.003) and knees (OR = 0.28; 95% CI. 0.08–0. 95; P = 0.04). In contrast, tennis players were more at risk of MSPs-12 on shoulders (OR = 3.14; 95% CI. 1.14–8.68; P = 0.02), wrists/hands (OR = 5.18; 95% CI.1.40-11.13; P = 0.01), and hips/thigh (OR = 2.90; 95% CI. 1.1–8.38; P = 0.04). Professionals were protected from MSPs-12 on neck pain with a significant reduction of risk by 61% (OR = 0.39, 95% CI. 0.21–0.75, P = 0.03). Conclusion MSPs are a reality among athletes and are related to sport disciplines, athletic status, and gender.