Prevalence and Risk Factors of Achilles Tendinopathy among University Soccer Players

Abstract

Background: Tendinopathies especially that of the Achilles account for a significant amount of overuse injuries in sports that could hinder optimal performance in sport, might lead to permanent physical damage or disability, and it’s epidemiology is not extensively documented in our clime. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Achilles Tendinopathy (AT) among university soccer players. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 210 soccer players, where 79.5% of the participants were male purposively sampled from two universities. Data on selected anthropometric indices and socio-demographic characteristics of the participants was ascertained. Royal London Test and Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles Questionnaire were used to assess AT. The inferential statistics of Spearman rank order correlation and chi square were used for data analysis at an alpha level of 0.05. Results: The prevalence of AT was 21.9 per 100 persons. The mean AT score, age, height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) of the participants were 92.29 ± 15.89, 22.46 ± 1.47 years, 1.74 ± 0.13 meters, 68.90 ± 7.46 kg, 19.73 ± 1.80 respectively. Significant correlation exists between AT score and the following variables: age (p = 0.018), weight (p < 0.01), height (p < 0.01), BMI (p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between sex and AT score (p = 0.215). Conclusions: The prevalence of Achilles tendinopathy in university soccer players was high. Age, height, weight, BMI except sex correlated with AT. The results depicts that the higher the BMI, the likelihood of having AT.