Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Problems after Playing Outdoor Games among School Going Adolescents in Ahmedabad: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Musculoskeletal problems like pain, fatigue and weakness are usually a cause of concern among adolescents after playing sports. Changes can occur in the physical health of children because of injury after playing games or sports. The aim of the study was to find self-reported musculoskeletal problems after playing sports among adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on school going adolescents in the age group of 13-18 years. A self-administered questionnaire was generated to collect data, including questions related to sports, injury and musculoskeletal problems. Descriptive analysis was done. Result: Total 469 students completed the study- 232 males and 237 females with mean age 15.01 ± 1.22 years. All students were having 1 or more sports sessions in the school per week. 390 students (83.15%) were playing sports after their school hours. 366 students (78%) reported feeling tired after playing sports. 188 students (40%) reported having pain after playing sports of which 40 students had pain in shoulders and 30 students had pain in feet. 244 students (52%) had had some form of injury of which 113 (46%) reported injuries to their knees. Out of 227 girls, 128 (56.38%) had difficulty in playing sports during their periods. Conclusion: Playing sports is common in schools across Ahmedabad and even after school hours. About 40% adolescents have had pain mostly in the shoulder or lower limbs at some time and 52% have had some kind of injury after playing sports or games. Key words: musculoskeletal problems, school going adolescents, sports