Prevalence and types of injuries in aerobic dancers

A sample of 726 aerobic dancers was surveyed by questionnaire to document the prevalence, types, and severity of injuries experienced. Data were gathered on demographics, exercise behavior, and environmental conditions during a 1 week period. Most of the subjects (66%) engaged in aerobic dance classes at least every other day, with a mean exercise time of 195 minutes per week. Twenty-eight percent of the subjects had been exercising 1 to 2 years, and 26% had been exercising 2 years or longer. Forty-nine percent of the subjects reported a history of at least one injury related to aerobic dancing. Most of the injuries were to the shin (24.5%), lower back (12.9%), and ankle (12.2%). Among those subjects injured, 23% reportedly saw a physician because of their injury. The frequency with which subjects exercised was associated with a history of injury. Subjects who exercised fewer than four times per week reported fewer injuries (43%) than those who exercised four times per week (60%) or more (66%). This study is a first step toward providing data to help physicians counsel aerobic dancers regarding injury prevention.