Knee problems and its associated factors among active cyclists in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:Bicycling is one of the most enjoyable aerobic exercises recommended for the promotion of an individual's health. The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia has seen a huge increase in the number of people who cycle. People have different goals for bicycling, but the injuries they sustain are common. Most of them relate to overuse, particularly of lower body joints. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of knee problems and factors associated with knee pain in cyclists.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2015, using an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on pertinent literature, was piloted, and validated. A web link was sent to 513 cyclists (professional and amateur) using E-mail, WhatsApp application, or SMS. Three hundred and eleven responses were received, 283 of which were included in the analysis.RESULTS:The overall prevalence of knee pain was 25.8%; 27.6% for amateur cyclists and 15.9% for professional cyclists. Only 17.2% knee pain was attributed to cycling, whereas in 32.8% it happened spontaneously and in 25% of cases it occurred while running. Majority of the cyclists reported pain as mild (61.6%) or moderate (28.7%); anterior knee pain accounted for 58.1% knee pain. Different goals of cycling and different bicycle types had statistically significant difference on the rate of knee pain. Of underweight cyclists, 62.2% reported knee pain. Cyclists who run more or participated in football had a higher rate of pain.CONCLUSION:Knee injuries are common with cyclists. Factors such as the type of the bicycle, the goal of bicycling, club type, body mass index, and participation in other sports play a significant role in the rate of knee pain.

The epidemiology of patellofemoral pain in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia

“…In the present study, a high prevalence for PFP was found in the community; about 39% of the participants reported PFP, with higher incidence among females compared to males (72.3% vs. 27.7%). The findings of the present study show a higher prevalence compared to the previous investigations 1, 21,23,24 .…”

Potential factors associated with knee pain in cyclists: a systematic review

“… 1 , 2 Several epidemiological studies have shown that experiencing knee pain or knee injuries ranges between 14.8% and 33% in cyclists involved in long-duration pedaling. 3 – 9 Bakkes et al 4 presented a study where 902 cyclists were questioned at the end of the Burger-Sanlam 100/50 km race to identify injuries in the previous year. They found that 61% of cyclists did not have an injury in the previous year while 29% reported suffering from knee pain, suggesting that the long-duration cycling activity could have triggered their knee pain.…”

“…Dannenberg et al 8 in a prospective study of 1638 recreational cyclists involved in the Cycle Across Maryland tour observed 76 overuse injuries, with the knee joint being the most affected body part for pain. Althunyan et al 3 showed that the prevalence of knee pain was 27.6% for amateur cyclists and 15.9% for professional cyclists, and they suggested that the type of bicycle could be an important factor in knee pain.…”

“…Different types of studies have been conducted to assess the possible reasons for pain and injuries due to cycling. For instance, the association with other sports activities, 3 bicycle misalignment, 4 inexperience or lack of pre-ride conditioning, 8 and long distances ride 10 were among the suggested triggers for knee pain. Dettori and Norvel, 11 discussed some possible mechanisms for non-traumatic injuries and prevention plan.…”

The Incidence of Knee Pain Complaints in Pedicab Riders in the Kemuning District, Palembang

“…In Indonesia, knee osteoarthritis has a high prevalence, reaching 15.5% in men and 12.7% in women. The high prevalence of the disease and its chronic-progressive nature make osteoarthritis have a major socio-economic impact, both in developed and developing countries 1 The socio-economic impact caused by osteoarthritis will certainly affect the patient's life, especially at work because this can hinder activities that should be done optimally.…”