Frequency of Shoulder Pain in Recreational Badminton Players

Abstract

Background: Shoulder pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue in overhead sports such as badminton, particularly among recreational players who often lack formal training and preventive care. Despite badminton’s rising popularity in Pakistan, limited data exist on the frequency and impact of shoulder pain in non-elite players, representing a critical research gap. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency and severity of shoulder pain and its associated functional disability in recreational badminton players in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 recreational badminton players (aged 18–40 years) selected through convenience sampling. Inclusion criteria required active participation in badminton for at least six months, while individuals with recent injuries, neurological disorders, or surgeries were excluded. Data were collected using a self-structured demographic questionnaire and the validated Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 27, with mean, standard deviation, and percentages reported. Results: Shoulder pain was reported by 76.15% of participants. The mean pain score was 22.76 ± 19.57, and the mean disability score was 16.27 ± 16.29. SPADI total score averaged 19.52 ± 16.87, indicating a clinically significant impact on shoulder function, though mostly at mild-to-moderate levels. Conclusion: Shoulder pain is highly prevalent among recreational badminton players, often contributing to functional impairment. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies and early clinical interventions to reduce long-term musculoskeletal burden in this population.