Prevalence of Shin Splints Among Cycle Ergometer Users in Different Gyms of Lahore

Abstract

Background: Medial tibial stress syndrome is a common overuse condition traditionally associated with running and other repetitive impact activities, yet its burden among cycle ergometer users remains poorly described. Objective: To determine the prevalence of medial tibial stress syndrome among cycle ergometer users attending selected gyms in Lahore and to describe the functional severity profile of symptoms in this population. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 male and female cycle ergometer users aged 18–30 years recruited from five gyms in Lahore using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the shin palpation test, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome Score. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize age, sex, BMI category, shin palpation status, and MTSS severity distribution. Results: The mean age of participants was 25.25 ± 3.42 years. Of the 226 users, 120 (53.1%) were male and 106 (46.9%) were female. The shin palpation test was positive in 96 participants, yielding a prevalence of 42.5%. MTSS severity assessment showed that 134 (59.3%) had no limitation, 34 (15.0%) had mild limitation, 50 (22.1%) had moderate limitation, 6 (2.7%) had severe limitation, and 2 (0.9%) had full limitation. Overall, 40.7% of users demonstrated some degree of functional limitation, while 25.7% had moderate-to-full limitation. Conclusion: MTSS-related symptoms were present in a substantial proportion of cycle ergometer users, indicating that this gym-based exercise modality may still be associated with clinically relevant tibial overuse burden. Early screening, preventive education, and training modification may help reduce symptom progression in this population.