ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major public health concern among university students, largely attributed to sedentary lifestyles, prolonged screen time, poor posture, and insufficient physical activity. Despite increasing awareness, evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity levels and MSDs among undergraduate students remains limited, particularly in developing countries. Objective: To determine the association between physical activity levels and musculoskeletal disorders among undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 200 undergraduate students aged 18–25 years using convenience sampling. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Demographic and anthropometric data were also collected. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and Spearman's correlation analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.01 ± 1.76 years, and 51.0% were female. Overall, 72.5% of participants reported at least one musculoskeletal disorder during the previous 12 months, with lower back pain (19.5%), wrist/hand pain (19.0%), neck pain (18.0%), and shoulder pain (18.0%) being the most frequently affected regions. A significant association was observed between physical activity level and MSD prevalence (χ² = 41.07, p < 0.001), with students having low physical activity demonstrating the highest prevalence of MSDs (90.9%). Logistic regression identified screen time as an independent predictor of MSDs (Adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.09–2.08, p = 0.014). Spearman's correlation revealed a significant negative correlation between physical activity and MSDs (ρ = −0.576, p < 0.001), while sitting time (ρ = 0.490, p < 0.001) and screen time (ρ = 0.441, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with MSD prevalence. Conclusion: Lower physical activity levels are significantly associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among undergraduate students. Promoting regular physical activity and reducing prolonged sitting and screen exposure may help decrease the burden of MSDs and improve students' musculoskeletal health and overall well-being.