Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain among Weight-lifters; A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract:   Background: Weight lifting is considered as one of the most widely used sport for strength training focusing on lifting maximum weight in a single repetition. Weight lifting is not exclusive to weight lifters only, rather all athletes perform this as a substantial physical exercise to gain power, strength and muscle mass. Although, the research evidences on prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among this population needs more authentic evidences so that this information can add more into preparing more reliable precautionary, preventive and treatment measures for this population.   Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among weight- lifters of Lahore, Pakistan.     Methods: This current study is a cross- sectional survey. Two- hundred and forty weight lifters were recruited in this study. Data was collected from various health clubs, gyms and universities in Lahore, Pakistan. A self- made customized questionnaire and Nordic Pain Scale was used to gather the data needed for this survey. Prevalence was determined by using descriptive statistics.   Results: The prevalence of  musculoskeletal pain in shoulders was 88.75%, in elbow was 84.58%, in neck was 84.16%, wrists/ hands 84.16%, upper back and lower back was 92.08%, hips was 93%, knees was 92.9% and ankles/ foot was 22.08% in weight-lifters of Lahore, Pakistan.   Conclusion: This study concludes that there is high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among weight lifters in shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands, upper and lower back, neck, knee and hip joints.   Key Words: Prevalence, Musculoskeletal pain, Weight- lifters