Comparison of Achilles Tendinopathy among Regular and Irregular Prayer Performers in Lahore and Sheikhupura: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

  • Qurat Ul Ain Usmani Department of Physical Therapy, Hajvery university, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Tooba Arif Department of Physical Therapy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Iffat Zahra Department of Physical Therapy, Hajvery university, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Laiba Durrani Department of Physical Therapy, Hajvery university, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Arbela Sharif Department of Physical Therapy, Hajvery university, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Erum Ghaffar Department of Physical Therapy, Hajvery university, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common overuse condition characterized by pain and functional limitation during weight-bearing activities. Repetitive movements involved in daily prayer may influence tendon health.

Objective: To determine the comparison of Achilles Tendinopathy in Regular and Irregular prayer offers of Lahore and Sheikhupura. 

Methodology: The cross-sectional survey employed non-probability convenient sampling, enrolling 384 male participants age between 25-55 years with Achilles tendinopathy. Tendinopathy was assessed using the VISA-A questionnaire. The sample population to 384 people who were divided into two groups which were regular and irregular prayer offers from different mosques of Lahore and Sheikhupura. The specified inclusion criteria encompass the Achilles tendon which may experience pain or discomfort when individuals engage in weight-bearing plantar flexion actions, such as running or leaping. Participants with a history of total Achilles tendon rupture, other therapies, exercise limitations, or pain from insertional tendinopathy or bursitis were excluded. Data analysis is done by using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.

Results: Among 384 participants, 192 were regular and 192 were irregular prayer performers. Regular performers demonstrated higher VISA-A scores, indicating better tendon function. Asymptomatic AT was reported in 79.7% of regular performers compared to 40.1% of irregular performers. Symptomatic AT was more prevalent among irregular performers (59.9%) compared to regular performers (20.3%). A statistically significant association was found between prayer frequency and AT status (p = 0.039).

Conclusion: A significant association exists between prayer frequency and Achilles tendinopathy status. Regular prayer performers showed better tendon-related outcomes compared to irregular performers. However, causal relationships cannot be established due to the cross-sectional design.

Keywords: Achilles Tendinopathy, Musculoskeletal Health, Prayer, Physical Activity, VISA-A

DOI: 10.53389/JRCRS.2026140304

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Published

2026-09-21

How to Cite

1.
Usmani QUA, Arif T, Zahra I, Durrani L, Sharif A, Ghaffar E. Comparison of Achilles Tendinopathy among Regular and Irregular Prayer Performers in Lahore and Sheikhupura: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Riphah Coll. Rehabili. sci. [Internet]. 2026Sep.21 [cited 2026Sep.22];14(03). Available from: https://journals.riphah.edu.pk/index.php/jrcrs/article/view/2677

Issue

JRCRS Volume 14 Issue 3

Section

Original Articles

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