Prevalence And Impact Of Musculoskeletal Disorders Of The Upper Limb Among Arm Wrestlers Cross-Sectional Study
International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology · 2026
Background: Arm wrestling is a high-intensity sport that imposes substantial biomechanical stress on the upper limb, particularly the elbow, wrist, and shoulder.The repetitive high-force loading increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including tendinitis, ligament sprains, fractures, and nerve compression syndromes.Despite the sport's growing popularity, epidemiological data on injury prevalence and associated risk factors remain limited.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 amateur and professional arm wrestlers recruited from sports clubs and competitive events.Data were collected using standardized self-reported questionnaires assessing musculoskeletal symptoms, injury history, and training characteristics.Clinical assessments included physical examination and range of motion testing to evaluate joint and muscular integrity.Medical history reviews documented previous injuries and rehabilitation interventions.Descriptive statistics were used to calculate prevalence rates, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors (p < 0.05).
Results: Seventy-two percent of participants reported at least one MSD.The most commonly affected regions were the elbow (55%), wrist (40%), and shoulder (30%).Frequently reported injuries included tendinitis (45%), ligament sprains (35%), nerve compression syndromes (20%), and humeral fractures (15%).Significant risk factors included improper technique, overtraining, and inadequate warm-up practices (p < 0.05).Injury consequences included missed competitions (62%), need for physiotherapy intervention (48%), and persistent chronic pain despite treatment (20%).
Conclusion: Upper limb MSDs are highly prevalent among arm wrestlers, primarily due to repetitive high-force mechanical stress.Implementation of structured warm-up protocols, strength conditioning programs, biomechanical correction, and early physiotherapy intervention is essential to reduce injury risk and enhance athletic longevity.Further research should focus on sport-specific injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies..