PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES RESULTING FROM GYM WORKOUTS AMONG GYM MEMBERS IN ISLAMABAD AND RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity and resistance training provide substantial health benefits; however, gym-based exercise may also expose participants to musculoskeletal problems, particularly when exercise technique, training load, recovery, and supervision are inadequate. Evidence concerning the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among gym members in the local Pakistani population remains limited.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal problems among individuals participating in gym workouts in fitness centers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, from August 2025 to January 2026, among gym members in selected fitness centers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. A total of 370 male and female participants were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Participants were adults aged 18 years and above who had been attending a gym or fitness center for up to 12 months. Individuals with recent trauma, previous or diagnosed injuries, pregnancy, or injuries unrelated to gym training were excluded. Musculoskeletal problems were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM SPSS to determine the frequency and percentage of reported problems across nine anatomical regions.

Results: Among 370 participants, 299 were male and 71 were female. The largest age group was 22–25 years (30.8%), followed by 26–29 years (22.2%) and 18–21 years (21.9%). Most participants had a normal body mass index (51.6%). During the previous 12 months, the lower back had the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal problems (33.5%), followed by the neck (26.8%) and shoulder (25.4%). Neck problems were associated with the highest reported limitation of normal activities (34.1%). Lower-back problems were the most frequently reported during the preceding seven days (24.9%).

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal problems were commonly reported among gym members in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with the lower back, neck, and shoulder being the most frequently affected regions. The findings highlight the importance of appropriate exercise technique, adequate warm-up and recovery, injury-prevention education, and appropriate supervision in gym settings.