PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES AMONG
AMATEUR BASKETBALL PLAYERS IN BOWEN UNIVERSITY TEACHING
HOSPITAL AND LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
OGBOMOSHO, NIGERIA
BY
NWOGU, KAMSIYO TOCHI
CHS/018/19773
A DISSERTATION PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAMME,
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, BOWEN UNIVERSITY IWO, IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF
PHYSIOTHERAPY (B.PT) DEGREE
APRIL, 2023
1
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The term musculoskeletal refers to the muscles and skeleton, including the joints,
ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues (AAOS, 2018). An injury is seen as the physical
harm that happens when a human body is unexpectedly exposed to energy levels that are higher
than the physiological tolerance threshold (WHO, 2021). Musculoskeletal injuries are defined by
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as trauma to or disorders of
the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs brought on by or
aggravated by work-related activities (NIOSH, 2019).
Millions of people around the world participate in basketball, from amateurs to
professional athletes (Smith, 2018). A sizeable number of basketball players are amateurs,
including those who compete in leisure leagues, varsity teams, and community initiatives.
Basketball puts a lot of stress on the musculoskeletal system due to its dynamic and fast-paced
character, which makes players vulnerable to injuries (Jones et al., 2019). Musculoskeletal
injuries have a significant impact on players' performance, participation, and general quality of
life in addition to their physical health (Brown & Johnson, 2020).
Epidemiology research has also shown that male basketball players are more likely to
sustain injuries than their female counterparts (Fong et al., 2018; Emery et al, 2017; Steffen et al,
2016). This finding has been linked to the fact that male players exert more physical effort when
playing than female players. Moreover, psychological conditioning and drug usage were noted as
significant influences because males played with a higher level of competitiveness and used
drugs more frequently (Andreoli et al, 2015). The frequency of musculoskeletal injuries among
basketball players of varying ability levels has been the subject of several studies (Deitch et al.,
2
2021; Eirale et al, 2020; Williams et al, 2020; Hesphanol Junior et al, 2019; Montalvo et al,
2019). Even though the precise incidence rates and injury profiles may differ, it is well-known
that amateur basketball players frequently sustain musculoskeletal injuries (Brown & Johnson,
2020). Lower extremities like the ankle, knee, and foot, as well as upper extremities like the
shoulder and wrist, are common places for injuries to occur (Smith, 2018). From mild sprains
and strains to more serious conditions including ligament tears, fractures, and dislocations, these
wounds can range in severity (Jones et al., 2019). Basketball injuries come in many different
forms, and in terms of frequency, the following are the most common: sprain (52.7%), bruising
(32.7%), dislocation (29.1%), congestion (18.2%), strain (10.9%), fracture (10%), and laceration
(3.6%), as well as concussion (0.9%). (Ayanniyi et al, 2015). Andreoli et al. looked into the
occurrence of Musculoskeletal Injuries per body region. It shown that, irrespective of gender,
lower limb injuries were more common than those in any other part of the body. Knee (17.8%)
and ankle (21.9%) were the two body parts where injuries were most common.
Certain basketball-related motions or behaviors, like jumping and landing techniques,
abrupt changes in direction, or physical contact with other players, may be linked to certain
injury patterns (Adams et al., 2019). Moreover, extrinsic factors like the playing surface,
footwear, and training methods, as well as intrinsic factors like age, gender, body composition,
injury history, and degree of conditioning, may influence the frequency and severity of injuries
(Johnson & Thompson, 2017). Although amateur basketball players make up a sizable section of
the game's population, they may not receive the same amount of support and resources as
professional players, who frequently receive thorough medical treatment and attention (Adams et
al., 2019). In order to provide targeted interventions and spread knowledge about injury
prevention, it is crucial to determine the prevalence and patterns of injuries in this group.
3
Amateur basketball players face a serious challenge from musculoskeletal injuries
(Adams et al., 2019). In order to create efficient prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation
methods, it is essential to comprehend the occurrence and patterns of these injuries (Davis et al.,
2021). Compared to professional athletes, amateurs may have varied training schedules, skill
levels, and access to medical care. Understanding the specific injury profile and characteristics of
musculoskeletal injuries in amateur basketball players is therefore critical (Williams, 2019).
Identifying high-risk groups or certain damage mechanisms, medical professionals and coaches
can create specialized rehabilitation plans to hasten healing and reduce long-term effects (Jones
et al., 2019). Furthermore, by enabling comparisons with other sports and informing future
research, this study can add to the body of knowledge already available on basketball-related
musculoskeletal injuries (Smith, 2018).
It is essential to comprehend the frequency and pattern of musculoskeletal injuries among
amateur basketball players for a number of reasons (Williams et al., 2020). At the beginning, it
enables focused injury prevention techniques, such as player education, suitable warm-up
procedures, strength and conditioning programs, and appropriate equipment selection (Brown &
Johnson, 2020). This study seeks to offer insightful information that will ultimately enhance the
health and performance of amateur basketball players by examining the origins, distribution, and
potential risk factors linked to these injuries (Williams et al., 2020). The purpose of this study is
to evaluate and examine the musculoskeletal injuries that are frequently sustained by amateur
basketball players in order to better understand their origins, distribution, and potential risk
factors.
4
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
People of all ages and skill levels participate in amateur basketball (Dixon et al, 2019),
which is a very well-liked sport. Although studies have looked into musculoskeletal injuries in
basketball, the majority of these studies concentrate on professional or elite athletes, and there is
little research especially aimed towards the amateur basketball community (Smith et al., 2022;
Johnson & Brown, 2020).
In order to better understand the precise risk factors and mechanisms at play, it is
important to look at the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal injuries among amateur
basketball players, including the types, sites, and severity of injuries. The development of
focused injury prevention strategies and interventions suited to the requirements of amateur
athletes will be aided by this information (Jones & Smith, 2021). Also, being aware of the
frequency and pattern of musculoskeletal injuries among amateur basketball players can help
players, coaches, and medical professionals become more aware of the dangers and negative
effects that could result from playing this activity. To encourage safer involvement and improve
the general wellbeing of amateur basketball players, it will also make it easier to establish
suitable training regimens, conditioning drills, and injury management procedures (Robinson,
2018).
By looking into and examining the occurrence and pattern of musculoskeletal injuries
among amateur basketball players, this research attempts to close the knowledge gap that
currently exists. Examining elements like injury rates, types, causes, and risk factors connected
with them will help develop evidence-based injury prevention methods and encourage safer
amateur basketball participation (Brown et al., 2023).
5
This study is therefore designed to answer the following questions:
1. What is the overall prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among amateur basketball
players?
2. What are the most frequently affected anatomical sites (e.g., ankle, knee, shoulder) in
musculoskeletal injuries among amateur basketball players?
3. What are the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries among amateur
basketball players including factors such as age group, gender, BMI and previous
injury history?
6
1.3 AIMS OF THE STUDY
1. To Evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in amateur basketball
players in the selected universities in Ogbomosho, Oyo state.
2. To identify the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders in selected
amateur basketball players.
3. Examine the association between the prevalence and socio-demographic variables of
selected participants.
1.4 HYPOTHESIS
1.4.1 MAIN HYPOTHESIS
1. There will be no significant association between selected sociodemographic
variables (age group, gender, BMI and previous injury history) and the pattern
(location/distribution) of MSK injury.
1.4.2 SUB-HYPOTHESIS
1. There will be no significant association between age group and the pattern
(location/distribution) of MSK injury.
2. There will be no significant association between gender and the pattern
(location/distribution) of MSK injury.
3. There will be no significant association between BMI and the pattern
(location/distribution) of MSK injury.
7
4. There will be no significant association between previous injury history and the
pattern (location/distribution) of MSK injury.
1.5 DELIMITATION
This study is delimited to amateur basketball players in Bowen University Teaching Hospital,
Ladoke Akintola university of Technology and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder
questionnaire.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
It is hoped that the findings of this study will reveal the prevalence as well as the pattern of ankle
injuries among amateur basketball players, which can help provide valuable insights for injury
prevention, training modifications, rehabilitation and treatment, equipment development,
performance enhancement, overall player health and well-being.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. Musculoskeletal injury: Injuries to the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons of
the musculoskeletal system, frequently brought on by trauma, overuse, or repetitive
stress.
2. Pattern: A particular or set of disorder's recurring and distinguishable traits or features.
3. Prevalence: The percentage of people in a population that are afflicted with a specific
illness or condition at any given time.
4. Amateur basketball players: People who play basketball for fun or non-competitive
objectives, such as in school or community teams.
8
1.8 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
I. MSIs- Musculoskeletal injuries.
II. MSK- Musculoskeletal.
9
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
II.1 Overview of musculoskeletal injuries in basketball.
II.2 Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in amateur basketball players.
II.3 Patterns and Characteristics of Musculoskeletal injuries in amateur basketball
players.
II.4 Risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries.
II.5 Symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries.
II.6 Diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries.
II.7 Prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.
II.8 Treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.
10
CHAPTER THREE
3.1 PARTICIPANTS
Participants for this study will be male and female amateur basketball players in selected
Universities in Ogbomosho Oyo state.
3.1.1 Inclusion criterion
The consenting male and female amateur basketball players in the Bowen university teaching
hospital and Ladoke Akintola university of Technology who have been actively competing or
training for a minimum of one year will be used in this study.
3.1.2 Exclusion criteria
Amateur basketball players who have not been actively competing or training for a minimum of
one year and those involved in any other kind of sports-related occupation like football,
volleyball, tennis, boxing, rugby, cricket etc.
11
3.2 MATERIALS
3.2.1 Instruments
The following instruments will be used for the study.
I. Nordic questionnaire of musculoskeletal disorders (NMQ).
II. Stadiometer.
III. Pen and paper.
IV. Weighing scale.
3.2.2 Description of instruments
I. Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal disorders: The Nordic questionnaire of
musculoskeletal disorders, also known as the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), is a
widely used tool for assessing and evaluating musculoskeletal disorders in various populations,
including workers, athletes, and general individuals. It is designed to gather information about
the presence, location, and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms or disorders (Kuorinka et al.,
1987). The questionnaire consists of a series of questions related to different body regions, such
as the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, lower back, hips/thighs, knees, and
ankles/feet. The questions typically inquire about the occurrence and frequency of pain,
discomfort, or other symptoms in each body region over a defined period, often the past 12
months. The NMQ follows a standardized format, and respondents are asked to indicate the
presence and duration of symptoms using categorical response options (e.g., yes/no, frequency
12
scales). Additionally, the questionnaire may include questions related to the impact of symptoms
on daily activities, work performance, and overall well-being. The data collected through the
NMQ can provide valuable insights into the prevalence, distribution, and severity of
musculoskeletal disorders within a specific population. It can help identify high-risk areas or
body regions prone to musculoskeletal issues and assess the overall burden of musculoskeletal
disorders within a given context. The questionnaire is often used in research studies,
occupational health assessments, and epidemiological surveys to gather information on
musculoskeletal symptoms and their associated factors (Hagberg et al., 1995).
II. Stadiometer: This will be used to measure the height of the participants and will be taken to
the nearest 0.1cm
III. Pen and paper: Used to record information of participants and results.
IV. Weighing scale: This will be used to check the body weight of participants.
3.3 METHOD
3.3.1 Research design
The design for this study will be a cross-sectional study design.
3.3.2 Sampling technique
Participants of this study will be recruited using purposive sampling technique.
3.3.3 Sample size
Determination of sample size (Yamane, 1967)
Using the simplified formula for proportions;
13
N
n=
1+ N × ¿ ¿
Where;
n= the desired sample size
N= the population size
e= the acceptable sampling error
Note: 95% confidence level and p= 0.5 are assumed.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology has 46 active amateur basketball players
Bowen University Teaching Hospital has 44 active amateur basketball players
So Total population size N= 46+44= 90
e= 5%= 5/100= 0.05
So;
90
n= 2
1+ 90∗(0.05)
90
n=
1.225
n=73.5
Therefore n is approximately 74 amateur basketballers.
3.3.4 Procedure for data collection
Ethical approval will be sought and obtained from the Bowen University Teaching
Hospital Health Research and Ethics Committee (BUTH-HREC). Informed consent will be
sought and obtained from prospective participants prior to participating in the study. The Nordic
questionnaire of musculoskeletal disorders (NMQ) will be self-administered and collected
immediately after completion.
14
The following variables will be measured:
1. Height: To measure height using a stadiometer, participants are required to follow
specific instructions. These instructions include removing shoes and heavy outer
garments, standing with their back against a height rule, ensuring that the back of the
head, back, buttocks, calves, and heels touch the upright rule, and keeping their feet
together. The stadiometer consists of a rigid vertical backboard and a horizontal
headboard. Participants are positioned so that the top of their external ear canal aligns
with the inferior margin of the cheekbone while maintaining a straight gaze. The
headpiece of the stadiometer is then lowered, gently pressing any hair flat if present. The
measurement is obtained and recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm.
2. Body weight: To measure body weight using a weighing scale, participants are instructed
to follow specific guidelines. These guidelines include removing footwear and any heavy
outer garments or objects from their bodies. The participants position themselves on the
footpad of the scale, ensuring that the weight is evenly distributed between both feet. To
record the weight, the participant leans forward slightly over the scale, and the reading is
recorded.
3. Body Mass Index (BMI): the weight of each participant is divided by the square of their
height. The resulting value categorizes individuals into different weight ranges.
Typically, a BMI between 16 and 18.5 is classified as underweight, 18.5 to 25 falls
within the normal weight range, 25 to 30 is considered overweight, and 30 to 35 is
categorized as obese. A BMI below 16 indicates severe underweight, while a BMI above
35 is regarded as severely obese.
15
4. Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal disorders (NMQ): The participants will be
given on the basketball court and it will be self-administered after it has been explained
to them.
3.4 Data analysis
The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 is used to enter the data.
1. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages will
be used to summarize the data on sociodemographics, prevalence and pattern of
injury.
2. Inferential statistics of Chi square will be used to test the association between
selected sociodemographic variables (age group, gender, BMI and previous injury
history) and the pattern (location/distribution) of MSK injury.
16
REFERENCES
Adams, J., et al. (2019). The impact of musculoskeletal injury on mental health outcomes: A
systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 125, 109794.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2018). Glossary of orthopaedic terms. Retrieved
from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/glossary/
Andreoli O, Abiodun BO, Adekanla BA (2015) The pattern of musculoskeletal injuries among
soccer and basketball players in a Nigerian University. Medicina Sportiva 11: 2676-2681.
Ayanniyi O, Oluwasegun AB, Babatunde AA (2015) The pattern of musculoskeletal injuries
among soccer and basketball players in a Nigerian university. Medicina Sportiva 11: 2676-2681.
Brown, D., et al. (2023). Prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal injuries among amateur
basketball players: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Sports Science, 41(4),
Brown, R., & Johnson, M. (2020). Musculoskeletal injuries in amateur basketball players: A
comprehensive review. Sports Medicine - Open, 6(1), 1-10.
Davis, L., et al. (2021). Factors influencing injury risk in amateur basketball players: A
systematic review. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 24(5), 449-456.
17
Deitch, J. R., Collins, C. L., & Pontell, M. E. (2021). Epidemiology of basketball injuries in high
school athletes in the United States, 2005-2006 through 2016-2017. Orthopaedic Journal of
Sports Medicine, 9(6), 23259671211009447.
Dixon, M. A., Warner, S., Reid, M., & Cooper, C. (2019). Motives for playing amateur
basketball: A cross-sectional analysis. Journal of Sport Behavior, 42(2), 206-222.
Eirale, C., Farooq, A., Smiley, F. A., Tol, J. L., & Chalabi, H. (2020). Epidemiology of injuries
in male international basketball players: A prospective comparison of FIBA World Cup 2014
and FIBA World Cup 2019. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(3), 158-163.
Emery, C. A., Myrer, J. W., & Côté, J. N. (2017). The association of injury history and sex with
movement quality in youth basketball athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research,
31(4), 909-918.
Fong, D. T., Ha, S. C., Mok, K. M., Chan, C. W., Chan, K. M., & Kin, F. T. (2018). Gender
differences in the incidence and pattern of acute basketball injuries. Hong Kong Medical Journal,
24(2), 144-149.
Hagberg, M., Tornqvist, E. W., & Toomingas, A. (1995). Self-reported reduced productivity due
to musculoskeletal symptoms: associations with workplace and individual factors among white
collar computer users. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 5(3), 129-142.
Hespanhol Junior, L. C., Pillay, J. D., van Mechelen, W., & Verhagen, E. (2019). Meta-analyses
of the effects of habitual running on indices of health in physically inactive adults. Sports
Medicine, 49(6), 905-919.
18
https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijsem/international-journal-of-sports-and-exercise-medicine-
ijsem-8-212.php?jid=ijsem#ref5
Johnson, R., & Brown, M. (2020). Musculoskeletal injuries in amateur basketball: A
systematic review. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(7), 567-579.
Johnson, S., & Thompson, C. (2017). The role of conditioning programs in reducing
musculoskeletal injuries in amateur basketball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning
Research, 31(12), 3458-3464.
Jones, A., et al. (2019). Lower extremity injuries in amateur basketball players: A systematic
review. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(8), 837-845.
Jones, K., & Smith, J. (2021). Patterns and mechanisms of musculoskeletal injuries in amateur
basketball players: A prospective cohort study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 24(3),
278-285.
Kuorinka, I., Jonsson, B., Kilbom, Å., Vinterberg, H., Biering-Sørensen, F., Andersson, G., ... &
Sjøgaard, G. (1987). Standardised Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal
symptoms. Applied Ergonomics, 18(3), 233-237.
Montalvo, A. M., Schneider, D. K., Yut, L., Webster, K. E., & Beynnon, B. D. (2019). The
impact of a knee injury prevention program on lower extremity biomechanics during a drop land:
A prospective cohort study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(11), 2677-2687.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2019). Musculoskeletal Health Program.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/musculoskeletal/
19
Robinson, L. (2018). Injury prevention strategies for amateur basketball players: A
comprehensive review. Sports Health, 10(6), 532-541.
Smith, A., Johnson, B., & Brown, C. (2022). Prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal
injuries in amateur basketball players. Journal of Sports Medicine, 10(2), 123-145.
Smith, T. (2018). Patterns and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries in amateur basketball
players. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 13(2), 209-218.
Steffen, K., Myklebust, G., & Olsen, O. E. (2016). Self-reported injury history and lower limb
function as risk factors for injuries in female youth soccer. The American Journal of Sports
Medicine, 44(12), 2912-2920.
Williams, E. (2019). Musculoskeletal injury risk factors in amateur basketball players. Journal of
Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy, 49(5), A145-A152.
Williams, K., et al. (2020). Prevalence and types of musculoskeletal injuries in amateur
basketball players: A systematic review. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 19(4), 665-
678.
World Health Organization. (2021). Injuries and violence: The facts. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/injuries-and-violence-the-facts
Yamane, T. (1967) Statistics: An Introductory Analysis. 2nd Edition, Harper and Row, New
York
20
APPENDIX I
INFORMED CONSENT FORM
Title of research: Prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal injuries among amateur basketball
players in Bowen university teaching hospital and Ladoke akintola university of technology
Ogbomosho, Nigeria.
Name and affiliation of researcher: This study is being conducted by Mr Nwogu Kamsiyo
Tochi, an undergraduate student of the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health
Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria.
Sponsor of research: Nwogu Kamsiyo Tochi.
Purpose of research: The purpose of this research is to determine the Prevalence and pattern of
musculoskeletal disorders in amateur basketball players in the selected universities in
Ogbomosho, Oyo state.
Procedure of the Research: Information from the participants would be retrieved through self-
administered questionnaires.
Risks: There will be no risk in participating in this study.
Cost of participation: There will be no financial implication.
21
Benefits: There will be no direct benefits for you. However, the research might provide
information on prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders in amateur basketball
players.
Confidentiality: All information collected will be confidential and only used for the purpose of
this research work.
Voluntariness: It is voluntary to take part in this study and you can decide to pull out of this
study at any time.
Compensation: There is no compensation for taking part in this study.
Conflict of interest: I declare no conflict of interest for this study. This study is not sponsored
by any organization.
Statement of person obtaining informed consent:
I have fully explained this research to ______________________________________ and have
given sufficient information, including risks and benefits to make an informed decision
DATE: __________________ SIGNATURE:________________________________
NAME: NWOGU KAMSIYO TOCHI.
Statement of person giving consent:
I have read the description of this research. I understand that my participation is voluntary. I
know about the purpose, methods, risks and benefits of the research study to judge that I want to
take part in it. I understand that I can withdraw from the study at any time. I have received a
copy of this consent form.
DATE: __________________ SIGNATURE: ________________________________
22
NAME: _______________________________________________________________
Contact information:
This research has been approved by the Bowen University Teaching Hospital Health Research
and Ethics Committee and the chairman of this committee can be contacted at Bowen University
Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
In addition, if you have any question about your participation in this research, you can contact
the principal investigator.
Name: Nwogu Kamsiyo Tochi.
Address: Room S13, Male Medical Hostel, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Takie,
Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Phone: 07030034405
E-mail: [email protected]
23
APPENDIX II
DATA SHEET
Gender: Male ( ) Female ( )
Age (as at last Birthday): __________________________
University: Bowen University Teaching Hospital, BUTH ( )
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH ( )
School Team: Yes ( ) No ( )
Level: 100 ( ) 200 ( ) 300 ( ) 400 ( ) 500 ( )
600 ( ) 700 ( ) 800 ( )
Religion: Christianity ( ) Islam ( ) Traditional ( )
24
Others, specify ______________
Any previous injury? _____________________________________________
APPENDIX III
QUESTIONNAIRE Serial Number ____________
Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ)
This survey asks for your views about your health. This information will help keep track of how
your health has been in the last twelve months and last seven days. Answer each question by
choosing just one answer. If you are unsure how to answer a question, please give the best
answer you can.
25
26