Differences in the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain between health care students and students of sports and physical education

Abstract

Introduction. Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common types of pain affecting muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain between students of sports and physical education and health care students. Material and Methods. The cross-sectional study included a total of 50 students, of whom 25 (50%) were students of sports and physical education, and 25 (50%) were students of health care. Data on the musculoskeletal system of students were collected through a questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Results. The results showed that the neck and upper back pain was not negligible (14 respondents, 28%) as well as the lower back pain (27, 54%). Based on the Chi-square test, it was concluded that low back pain was significantly more common in students of health care (c2 = 3.945; p = 0.047 < 0.05) than in students of sports and physical education. Also, neck pain was significantly more common in health care students (c2 = 6.349; p = 0.012 < 0.05). Conclusion. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that students mostly presented with low back pain, followed by the neck and upper back pain. Engaging in proper exercises on weekly basis and excess weight reduction can prevent low back pain.