Pain and injury prevalence and their associations with psychosocial and motivational factors in amateur beach tennis players: a cross-sectional study

Purpose To investigate the prevalence of pain and injuries among amateur beach tennis players and to explore their associations with psychosocial (stress, anxiety, and depression) and motivational factors. Methods This cross-sectional study included 64 amateur beach tennis players (.18 years, .1 year of regular practice). Sociodemographic characteristics, pain and injury data, psychosocial factors (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), and motivational factors (Inventory of Motivation for Regular Practice of Physical Activity) were collected. Adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Participants had a mean age of 33.8 ± 8.4 years, and 54.7% were male. Beach tennis-related injuries were reported by 32.8% of participants, with the elbow, shoulder, and ankle being the most frequently affected body regions. Most participants presented normal levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, and health was the highest-rated motivational factor (35.5 ± 5.8). No significant associations were observed between psychosocial or motivational factors and injury occurrence after adjustment for potential confounders. Longer practice time was associated with greater odds of injury (OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.00–1.24; p = 0.043). Conclusions Approximately one-third of the participants reported a beach tennis-related injury, most commonly affecting the elbow, shoulder, and ankle. No significant associations were observed between psychosocial or motivational factors and injury occurrence after adjustment for potential confounders. Longer practice time was associated with greater odds of injury. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the relationships between psychosocial factors, motivation, and sports injuries.