Tshegofatso Prudence Moatshe

Background: CrossFit is a rapidly growing sport characterised by high-intensity functional movements that place substantial demands on the shoulder complex. Although shoulder injuries are frequently reported, the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain and shoulder function among uninjured CrossFit athletes remains unclear. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain and to describe shoulder function among uninjured CrossFit athletes in Pretoria, Gauteng. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among CrossFit athletes recruited from gyms in Pretoria. Participants completed a sociodemographic and training questionnaire. Pain presence and severity were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), based on current shoulder pain intensity. Shoulder function was assessed using the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS). Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages) were used to summarise the data. Chi-square tests were used to explore associations between shoulder pain and selected demographic and training-related variables. Results: Sixty-eight participants provided valid responses for pain analysis, while all participants completed the PSS. The prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain was 76% (95% CI: 64%–85%), with a mean NPRS score of 2.97 ± 2.75/10, indicating predominantly low-intensity pain. Shoulder function was generally preserved, with a mean total PSS of 87.8 ± 12.2 (out of 100). Shoulder pain was significantly associated with previous shoulder injury (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between demographic or training-related variables and shoulder function. Conclusion: Self-reported shoulder pain is highly prevalent among uninjured CrossFit athletes despite largely preserved shoulder function. These findings suggest that athletes may continue training despite experiencing pain, highlighting the importance of routine screening and early intervention strategies.

Response to Finsterer, J. (2026). Nonspecific lower back pain in overhead athletes is multifactorial and is not solely determined by the type and intensity of the sport. S Afr J Sports Med, 38(1). https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a24875. Related: Moatshe TP, Dawood M. Prevalence and risk factors of non-specific low back pain among amateur overhead athletes in Gauteng Province. S Afr J Sports Med. 2025; 37:1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2025/v37i1a18797.

Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is prevalent among athletes engaged in repetitive overhead movements, often linked to sport-specific biomechanical demands. However, research on its prevalence and risk factors in South African amateur athletes is limited, despite the high participation in sports. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NSLBP and identify sport-specific risk factors among amateur overhead athletes in Gauteng Province, addressing a critical gap in the literature. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 52 amateur overhead athletes aged 18 and above who participated in volleyball, basketball, netball, soccer goalkeeping, tennis, and swimming. Data collection included self-reported NSLBP prevalence, clinical tests for scapular dyskinesia (SD) and latissimus dorsi flexibility, and the Keele STarT Back Screening Tool. Statistical analysis examined the associations between NSLBP, SD, and sport-specific factors. Results: NSLBP prevalence was 25%, with volleyball (33%) and basketball (30%) athletes most affected. Scapular dyskinesia was observed in 48% of participants, particularly grades 1 and 2. Reduced latissimus dorsi flexibility was present in 40% of athletes and was significantly correlated with scapular dyskinesia (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study successfully met its objectives by identifying the prevalence of NSLBP and sport-specific risk factors among amateur overhead athletes. Findings emphasise the importance of targeted interventions focusing on scapular function and muscle flexibility to reduce NSLBP incidence. These insights provide valuable guidance for clinical practice and preventive strategies.