Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Problems Among Tennis Players In Twin Cities Of Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Tennis, a popular sport played worldwide, requires a unique combination of agility, strength, and endurance, which predisposes players to a range of musculoskeletal injuries. Despite its widespread popularity, there is a paucity of research on the prevalence of such injuries among tennis players in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal problems among tennis players in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with a focus on identifying the most commonly affected areas and the impact of these injuries on the players' activities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 tennis players from various clubs in Rawalpindi and Islamabad between February 27, 2023, and January 30, 2024. Participants were selected using convenient sampling. Data on demographics and musculoskeletal discomfort were collected through a self-structured questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). The Rao-soft calculator determined the sample size with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Inclusion criteria targeted players aged 18-35 with a playing experience of less than 3 years, playing at least twice a week. Exclusion criteria included a history of fracture, recent surgical procedures, or neurological deficits. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of participants was 23.92 (±4.76) years. The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in the past week and year was highest in the shoulders (16.1%, 48.6%), followed by knees (13.3%, 25.2%), elbows (7.8%, 23.4%), and upper back (10.1%, 17.9%). Over the past year, 10.6% of participants reported that shoulder issues prevented daily activities, and 7.8% sought physician consultations for shoulder pain. Conclusion: Shoulder pain was the most prevalent musculoskeletal issue among tennis players, indicating the need for targeted preventive measures and interventions. Emphasizing proper technique and incorporating specific strength and flexibility training could mitigate the risk of injuries.