Pattern of Musculoskeletal Injuries amongst Male Amateur Basketball Players in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSIs) are expected consequences of participation in sports-related occupations like basketball given that it is a contact sport with complex movements that include jumps, turns, and quick changes in direction. Aim: This study, therefore, explored the pattern of MSIs among amateur basketball players in the Anambra State of Nigeria and the correlation between socio-demographic variables and MSIs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey research design was used for this study. One hundred and twelve (112) consenting male basketball players were consecutively recruited for this study. Socio-demographic data was obtained and recorded. Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used to evaluate MSIs among the participants. Results: The injury proportions of the participants were; the right knee (40.27%), left knee (34.96%), right foot (6.06%), left foot (3.96%), right shoulder (3.64%), right wrist (83.60%) and left wrist (2.93%), lower back (0.99%), Left thigh (0.92%), Left lower leg (0.88%), right thigh (0.71%). MSI had significant moderate correlation with height (r = 0.381, p < 0.01), weight (r = 0.431, p < 0.01) and significant moderate correlation with hours of training per day (r = 0.513, p < 0.01). However, there was no significant correlation between MSIs and Body Mass Index (r = 0.037, p = 0.067) and between MSI and age (r = -0.132, p = 0.167). Conclusion: The pattern of MSIs amongst male amateur basketball players are right knee, left knee, left foot, right foot, right shoulder, right wrist, left wrist, etc. Height, weight, and hours of training per day correlated significantly with MSIs. Age and Body Mass Index (BMI) did not correlate significantly with MSIs. Basketball players should therefore be encouraged to use protective equipment for these parts and physical therapy may help in the prevention and management of MSIs among basketball players.