Abstract
Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders affect a large portion of the population worldwide. The Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) is a helpful tool for assessing the health state of patients with these disorders. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MSK-HQ-IT in a population of kitesurfers. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from September 2023 to July 2024. The questionnaire was completed using an online or paper form. Data were collected by submitting both the Italian and English versions of the MSK-HQ to a global sample of kitesurfers from various countries. Results: A total of 102 participants were recruited, consisting of 40 professionals and 62 non-professional kitesurfers. Cervical spine discomfort was significantly more prevalent among professionals (42.5%) compared to non-professionals (24%), as well as right shoulder pain (37.5% vs. 22.5%) and right wrist pain (12.5% vs. 3.2%). Non-professionals exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of functional limitations in the lumbar spine (25.8% vs. 5%) and reported more thoracic pain (21% vs. 17.5%). These findings indicate differing biomechanical stress patterns between the two groups, with professionals showing higher upper limb strain and non-professionals experiencing more lower back issues due to harness reliance. Conclusions: The MSK-HQ proved to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing musculoskeletal health in kitesurfers. The study highlights distinct injury patterns between professionals and non-professionals, with professionals being more prone to upper limb injuries and non-professionals showing a higher prevalence of lumbar and thoracic spine issues. These findings emphasize the need for targeted injury prevention strategies. Further research should focus on expanding the sample size and investigating long-term impacts of repetitive high-impact landings on musculoskeletal health in kitesurfers.