EGUAGIE OKHUAHESUYI

Background The menstrual cycle is a fundamental biological process that introduces considerable hormonal variability, affecting both physiological and psychological functioning in women. Although female participation in sports has grown, research focusing on women’s athletic health remains scarce, especially within African settings where cultural norms and structural barriers often marginalize menstrual health considerations. Aim This research investigated the impact of menstrual cycle phases on physical performance, symptom profiles, and self-management strategies among female athletes at the University of Benin, Nigeria, to generate evidence informed recommendations for cycle aware training and athlete support. Methods Fifty three female athletes participated in this repeated measures study. Physical performance indicators strength, endurance, agility, and reaction time—were evaluated across the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. Data on body weight fluctuations and self-reported symptoms were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation tests, with significance set at 0.05. Results Significant phase dependent variations in physical performance were observed (p < 0.05). Strength, endurance, and agility were lowest during the menstrual phase, improved during the follicular and ovulatory phases, and declined slightly in the luteal phase. Reaction time was also slower during menstruation. Although body weight remained relatively stable, a significant phase related difference emerged, with slightly lower weight during the menstrual and follicular phases and higher values during ovulation and the luteal phase. A negative correlation was found between changes in body weight and endurance between the ovulatory and luteal phases (r = −0.313, p = 0.023). Frequently reported symptoms included cramps and fatigue during menstruation, bloating during ovulation, and irritability during the luteal phase. Approximately 40 percent of athletes did not track their cycles, and coaches were largely unaware of the performance variations linked to menstrual phases. Conclusion Menstrual cycle phases significantly influence physical performance among female athletes. The conventional “one size fits all” training model fails to accommodate their unique physiological changes. Individualized, cycle sensitive training programs that incorporate menstrual tracking and athlete coach communication are essential to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and promote well being.

Background: Knee injuries are among the most prevalent musculoskeletal problems affecting student- athletes, often resulting in pain, impaired performance, and limited participation. Despite the growing engagement of university students in organized sports, limited research has addressed the prevalence and contributing factors of knee injuries within Nigerian university settings. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, risk factors, and socio-demographic correlates of knee-related injuries among student-athletes at the University of Benin. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. A total of 207 student-athletes from various faculties of the University of Benin participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, types of knee injuries, associated risk factors, and management strategies. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while inferential analysis using Chi-square tests assessed associations between variables at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Findings revealed a high prevalence of knee injuries, with 185 respondents (89.4%) reporting a history of knee injury. The most common types were fractures (45.4%), ligament tears (24.9%), and meniscus injuries (15.7%). Injuries were mostly sports-related (29.7%) or caused by sudden movement (25.9%), and the left knee was the most frequently affected (36.8%). More than half of the injured athletes (51.9%) sought treatment—mainly through medication and physiotherapy—while 39.5% reported persistent pain during activity. iv Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between intrinsic risk factors (flexibility, previous lower limb injury, and muscle imbalance) or extrinsic risk factors (training intensity, surface type, warm-up routine, and use of protective gear) and knee injury occurrence (p > 0.05). However, sport type was significantly associated with knee injury prevalence (χ² = 17.12, p = 0.029), with football and volleyball athletes being more affected. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and level of study were not significantly related to knee injury prevalence. Conclusion: Knee injuries are highly prevalent among student-athletes at the University of Benin, primarily associated with the type of sport rather than intrinsic, extrinsic, or demographic variables. There is a critical need for improved injury prevention programs, enhanced warm- up and training protocols, better facility maintenance, and accessible physiotherapy services to reduce the burden and recurrence of knee injuries in university sports settings

Background/Purpose: Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder among computer-based desk workers; however, its interaction with sedentary behaviour and sleep quality in the Nigerian context remains underexplored. This study investigated the prevalence of neck pain and its associations with sleep quality and prolonged sitting among computer-based staff of the University of Benin, Nigeria. The overarching aim was to elucidate occupational and behavioural determinants of neck musculoskeletal disorders and inform integrated ergonomic interventions.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed involving non-academic desk workers engaged in prolonged computer use. Standardized self-administered instruments were utilized, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Oswestry Neck Disability Index (ONDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ), and an ergonomic self-assessment checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics summarising prevalence and exposure variables. Pearson’s correlation tested associations between continuous variables, while Chi-square analyses examined categorical relationships. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 281 participants were analysed. The 12-month prevalence of neck pain was 51.2%, and the 7-day prevalence was 41.3%. Mean PSQI scores (≈15.5) indicated very poor sleep quality, while average sedentary time was ≈345 minutes per day (≈5.75 hours). Neck pain severity correlated strongly with poor sleep quality (r = 0.799, p < 0.001) and modestly with sedentary time (r = 0.170, p = 0.004). Poor sleep was associated with short-term neck pain prevalence (p = 0.002). Despite access to ergonomic equipment, only 34.5% practiced proper posture and 23.1% took regular breaks.

Conclusion: Neck pain, poor sleep quality, and prolonged sitting constitute a multifactorial occupational triad among Nigerian desk workers. Interventions should prioritise ergonomic behaviour modification, structured movement breaks, and sleep-hygiene education to mitigate neck pain and enhance workplace wellbeing

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among sedentary office workers. This study examined the correlation between physical activity levels and MSDs among nonacademic staff in the school of Basic Medical Sciences, UNIBEN.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving non-academic staff from the Departments of Physiotherapy, Radiography, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science at UNIBEN. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Short Form). Chi-square tests assessed the associations between physical activity
levels and the prevalence of MSDs.
Results: A cross-sectional study involving 25 non-academic staff members at UNIBEN examined the relationship between physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The majority of participants were female (16, 64%), with ages ranging from 30 to 59 years (mean: 43.36 ± 8.06). All participants reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain in various body regions, with neck pain being the most prevalent. Specifically, 18 respondents reported neck pain in the 12-month prevalence (72%), and 15 reported it in the 7-day prevalence (60%). While 52% (13) of participants had high physical activity levels, no significant relationship was found between physical activity levels and 12-month MSD prevalence. However, higher physical activity levels were associated with an increased 7-day prevalence of upper back pain (X²=6.851, p=0.033). Job
roles were not linked to 12-month MSD prevalence, but shoulder and hip pain showed significant associations with specific job roles over the past 7 days.
Conclusion: This study found a high MSD prevalence, with neck pain being the most common.
Physical activity was not related to long-term MSDs but correlated with upper back pain. Job roles were associated with shoulder and hip pain, highlighting the impact of ergonomic design.
Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), physical activity, sedentary behavior, university
of Benin.