Prevalence and Pattern of Physical Activity-Related Injuries in Saudi Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia

2 Aseer Health Cluster, Aseer, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in adolescent health but carries inherent risks of injury. Data on PA-related injuries among Saudi adolescents are limited. Objective: The study examines the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of PA-related injuries among Saudi youth aged 12–18 years in sports club activity, leisure time physical activity, and school physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study involving 402 Saudi youth employed a web-based survey sent through social media. Cluster sampling aimed at youths with musculoskeletal injury from organized sport, leisure, or school. Exclusion was made among participants with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. Demographic and injury characteristics were computed using SPSS software with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression for association evaluation between injury prevalence and risk factors. Results: A study of 402 participants found that 87.3% were male, with 37.8% and 35.3% in the west and south regions. The majority were aged 12-14, with 48% normal BMI. 54.2% had a history of sports participation, with 40.0% playing weekly and 34.1% twice per week. The injury incidence of PA was 37%, with no significant correlation between age, gender, BMI, location, or sport type. Previous instruction reduced injury rates. Conclusion: PA-related injury is common among Saudi adolescents without heterogeneity by age, gender, BMI, location, or type of sport. Pre-exercise instruction markedly decreases risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention programs for adolescent health.

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