Correlation Between Prolonged Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Injuries Among International Hajj Pilgrims: A Preventive Health Study

Abstract

Introduction: The largest mass gathering in the world is the Hajj pilgrimage which necessitates the pilgrims to be involved in intensive and prolonged physical activity (PPA), and walking estimated distances of 5 to 15 miles in several days. This vigorous activity exposes unconditioned tissues to considerable biomechanical load, and as a result, musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and acute injuries have high levels of prevalence all over the world, and present a significant challenge to the Saudi health system of Makkah. Research Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., joint/muscle pain, back strain, blisters, and sprains) that occur among international Hajj pilgrims during prolonged walking and standing during the rituals. Study outcomes will include either the validated musculoskeletal injury questionnaire together with severity scores indicatively graded from self-reported pain scales (0-10). Research Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out among a group of international adult pilgrims at Makkah in Saudi Arabia using questionnaires. The statistical analysis involved descriptive measures of prevalence, correlational analysis to evaluate the relationship between PPA and the injury severity and Chi Square tests to evaluate whether there is significant categorical relationship between demographics and all the outcomes measured. Conclusion: This observation is an indicator that the risk and prevention behavior patterns are very homogenous among these large demographic groups. The reported excessive strain implies a joint policy action in terms of compulsory physical conditioning sessions before Hajj and in-field measures, including the maximization of the rest throughout the pilgrimage and the obligatory use of supportive footwear, to minimize the trauma load in Saudi hospitals and guarantee a more safe pilgrimage.