ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PAIN SEVERITY AND CHONDROMALACIA PATELLA (CMP) AMONG NOVICE DRUMMERS

Background: Chondromalacia patellae (CMP) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by the softening and degeneration of the patellar cartilage, often leading to anterior knee pain. It is frequently associated with biomechanical stress, muscle imbalances, and prolonged repetitive activities. Factors such as lower limb muscle weakness, obesity, and female sex have been identified as potential risk factors. Drummers, due to the repetitive and high-impact nature of their activity, may be particularly susceptible to CMP. However, limited research has explored the relationship between CMP severity and pain intensity in this population. Objective: To assess the association between pain severity and CMP among novice drummers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 novice drummers who had been playing for less than two years. Participants were recruited using a non-probability, purposive sampling technique. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Lahore, and informed consent was secured. Data were collected using the Chondromalacia Patella Questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied to examine associations. Results: The mean age of participants was 20.39±1.864 years, with a mean daily drumming duration of 5.83±1.459 hours. CMP severity was categorized as mild in 56.1% of participants, moderate in 25.1%, and severe in 18.7%. Knee pain severity was reported as mild in 42.7%, moderate in 32.7%, and severe in 24.6% of participants. Cross-tabulation analysis revealed a significant correlation between CMP severity and knee pain levels (p < 0.05), indicating that increased CMP severity corresponded to higher pain intensity. Conclusion: A significant association was observed between chondromalacia patellae severity and knee pain among drummers. As CMP progressed, pain severity increased, emphasizing the need for early intervention strategies to mitigate its impact. Preventive measures, including strength training and biomechanical assessments, may be beneficial in reducing CMP-related knee pain in drummers.