Evaluation of BMI, Activity Level and Musculoskeletal Assessment Through Standardized Nordic Questionnaire in Females Performing Exercises Weight-Bearing Vs Non-Weight Bearing In Gym: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Background: Weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing exercises differ in mechanical loading, muscular demand, and potential musculoskeletal effects. Among female gym participants, these exercise patterns may be associated with differences in body mass index, physical activity level, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Objective: To evaluate BMI, IPAQ-based physical activity level, and musculoskeletal assessment among female gym participants performing weight-bearing versus non-weight-bearing exercises. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 370 women aged 20–40 years who attended gyms in Lahore at least three days per week for a minimum of six months. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. BMI was calculated using weight and height, physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Associations between BMI category and IPAQ-based physical activity level within exercise groups were examined using chi-square tests in SPSS version 25. Results: In the weight-bearing exercise group, Pearson chi-square testing showed a significant association between BMI category and IPAQ-based physical activity level, χ² = 39.526, df = 26, p = 0.043. In the non-weight-bearing exercise group, no significant association was observed, χ² = 21.244, df = 18, p = 0.267. Likelihood ratio and linear-by-linear association tests were not significant in either group. Conclusion: BMI category and physical activity level were associated among women performing weight-bearing exercise but not among those performing non-weight-bearing exercise. These findings should be interpreted as cross-sectional associations rather than causal effects
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