PREVALENCE OF SHOULDER PAIN, TENNIS ELBOW AND WRIST PAIN AMONG BADMINTON PLAYERS IN GREATER NOIDA

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the interrelationships between shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain and disability among badminton players using three self-reported outcome measures: the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). A total of 50 badminton players who met predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Each participant provided informed consent and completed demographic forms, followed by baseline assessments using the SPADI, PRTEE, and PRWE tools. Statistical analysis revealed no significant associations between gender and the SPADI, PRTEE, or PRWE scores. Similarly, age showed no significant correlation with any of the three outcome measures, indicating that neither gender nor age influenced the severity of reported pain or disability. However, strong and significant positive correlations were found between SPADI and PRTEE, as well as between SPADI and PRWE. Moreover, an especially high correlation was noted between PRTEE and PRWE, suggesting a close interdependence between elbow and wrist discomfort and functional limitations. These findings imply that increases in pain or disability in one anatomical region are likely to be accompanied by increases in others, particularly among upper limb joints that are functionally interconnected in overhead sports like badminton. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive upper limb assessment in athletes, as localized pain may reflect broader musculoskeletal involvement. Further research is recommended to explore causal relationships and potential biomechanical factors underlying these correlations in racquet sport athletes.