Evaluation of Anterior Knee Pain in Recreational and Professional Athletes Using Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale in Middle-aged Indian Population

Abstract

Abstract Background: Anterior knee pain (AKP) is the most common musculoskeletal complaint in all age groups. It is common in both recreational and professional athletes. The literature shows a lack of studies that focus on AKP in middle-aged population. The study aimed to evaluate the AKP using the Kujala AKP Scale (KAKPS) in middle-aged recreational and professional athletes. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study that evaluated AKP in middle-aged athletes, both recreational and professional, using the KAKPS. The study included 44 individuals (between 40 and 60 years of age), with an equal number in each group. The study was questionnaire based, for which a Google Form was created. The questionnaire included demographic data and the KAKPS, and it was distributed through digital platforms such as E-mail, WhatsApp, and Telegram. These individuals were both male and female recreational and professional athletes who had been involved in their respective sports for at least 3 years. Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.25. Based on responses given by the participants, we found that there was a significant difference found (P < 0.05) between Kujala AKP score in recreational (76.09 ± 12.88) and professional athletes (68.18 ± 17.57) indicating more pain in recreational as compared to professional athletes. Conclusion: We conclude that AKP is higher in recreational as compared to professional athletes.