Comparison of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Upper Limbs of Male Athletes with Obese and Thin Non-Athlete Males

Musculoskeletal disorders are any abnormality of the skeletal-muscular system and nerves which reduces the optimal function of organs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limbs of male athletes with non-athlete males who are obese and non-athlete males who are thin.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 15 male athletes, 15 obese males, and 15 non-athlete thin males in North Khorasan Province during the year 2021. The selected subjects were purposefully chosen from the available community. Kyphosis and lordosis angles were evaluated using a flexible ruler. Evaluation of forward head and forward shoulders was performed from the side view with digital cameras, and the angles were analyzed by AutoCAD software. For data analysis, ANOVA test and Shafa's follow-up test were used.

IAccording to the results, in all musculoskeletal abnormalities of the upper limb, except for lumbar lordosis, male athletes had a higher percentage of abnormalities than non-athlete obese males and non-athlete thin males (P<0.05). Lumbar hyperlordosis was higher in obese males compared to athletes and non-athlete thin males (P<0.05).

Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that abnormalities in the head, shoulders, and spine areas can be affected by the type of sport due to repeated movements and techniques, and obesity is also a factor in the development of musculoskeletal abnormalities.