Physical activity has numerous health benefits, enhancing overall wellbeing. However, it can also lead to injuries, impeding exercise capacity and hindering work. Limited knowledge exists about the prevalence of overuse gym injuries and whether they vary across different gym activities. This study aims to estimate sport injuries at fitness centers in Saudi Arabia, comparing injuries between various activities and session durations. This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study surveyed regular gym-goers in Saudi Arabia with overuse injuries. The online survey, distributed through social media apps, collected data using a validated Google form questionnaire. Questioanire consists of 3 parts. First part of the questionnaire included demographic characteristics of participants. Second part contains characteristics related to gym as gym session’s duration, frequency of attending gym per week, sport types, type of injuries and site of injuries. Third part contains Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre (OSTRC) Overuse injury questionnaire that included 4 questions about difficulties in participation, reduction of training, affection of performance and symptoms. Study included 1012 participants, majority male (76.2%), with age range of 18 to 50 years, and significant proportion falling between 26 and 30 years (52.6%). Majority of participants were from Central Province (42.9%). Gym sessions typically lasted 1 to 2 hours (68.3%), and most common attendance frequency was 4 days/week (39.6%). Common injury sites were shoulder (25.2%), knee (20.2%), and lower back (17.7%). Bodybuilding (50.6%), running (45.8%), and weightlifting/powerlifting (45.1%) were predominant sports. Strain/muscle rupture/tear (35.70%) and muscle cramps/spasm (19.3%) were commonest injury types. Longer gym sessions (>2 hours) were associated with higher prevalence of strain/muscle rupture/tear, dislocation, and subluxation ( P < .001). Shorter sessions (<1 hour) had higher prevalence of muscle cramps/spasm and contusion/hematoma/bruise ( P < .001). Gym sessions lasting 1 to 2 hours had high prevalence in tendinosis/tendinopathy. Strain/muscle rupture/tear was significantly higher in bodybuilding, weightlifting/powerlifting, swimming, cycling, and running. Tendinosis/tendinopathy was higher in crossfit. (OSTRC) Overuse injury questionnaire revealed decreased participation, training volume, performance, and increased pain with longer gym sessions. In conclusion, gym-related injuries are common, with bodybuilding and running being prevalent activities. Preventative measures should be taken, and individuals are advised to undergo a physical and medical examination before engaging in physical activity at fitness centers.

The rise in predatory journals poses a significant risk to academic integrity, particularly for inexperienced researchers. This research aimed to evaluate awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of predatory journals in the western region of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and May 2024 using an anonymous, self-administered, online validated questionnaire distributed to medical students in their clinical years in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associations between sociodemographic factors and knowledge of predatory journals were assessed utilizing chi-square and Fisher exact tests; all analyses were unadjusted. A total of 405 medical students participated in the study. Most participants (72.6%) regularly participated in faculty-mentored research activities, and over half (51.9%) published research in scientific journals. The primary reason for conducting this research was institution/program requirements (84.7%). Participation in faculty-mentored research and prior publication in scientific journals were strongly associated with predatory journal awareness ( P < .001). Important factors for choosing a journal for publication were indexing in the major database (54.8%), rapid publication (48.9%), and a high journal impact factor (36.0%). Most participants (62.2%) had heard the term “predatory journal,” with common sources being friends/colleagues (34.1%); only 54.3% reported knowing how to identify potentially predatory journals. Medical students in the western region of Saudi Arabia demonstrated moderate awareness of predatory journals, with gaps in knowledge regarding identifying characteristics. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives, including workshops and mentorship programs, to enhance understanding and promote ethical research practices. Improving awareness of predatory journals is essential for protecting academic integrity and fostering high-quality scientific contributions.