Prevalência e distribuição de sintomas osteomusculares em atletas de voleibol masculino de alto rendimento

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in high-performance male volleyball athletes, identifying the most affected body regions and the factors associated with seeking professional assistance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with athletes from professional teams. Data collection was performed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), which assessed the occurrence of complaints over the past 12 months and in the last week (7 days). Additionally, the association between the athletes’ competitive volume and the demand for health services (medical/physiotherapeutic) was analyzed. Results: The research revealed a high prevalence of self-reported MSS in the sample. The most affected body regions over the past 12 months were the lower kinetic chain, with emphasis on the knees (32.0%) and hip/thighs (32.0%), followed by the lower back/lumbar region (28.0%). In the last week, the prevalence remained highest in the knee (36.0%), which was the main cause of time off (24.0%) and seeking help. A significant association was found between competitive volume and the demand for professional attention, with athletes who participated in more than three competitions in the semester seeking significantly more consultations. Conclusion: The high incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms in elite volleyball athletes is predominantly concentrated in the lower kinetic chain, with the knee and lumbopelvic region requiring the most attention. The results reinforce the urgent need for monitoring competitive load and implementing specific prevention programs, focused on strengthening and stability of the knee, hip, and lumbar spine complex.