Development and Feasibility of an Adolescent Dancer Screen

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Dance Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Adolescent dancers face high injury risks due to intense training and developmental changes.
• Existing screening tools for adolescent dancers are limited, despite high reported injury rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe a standardized, feasible, evidence-based, and clinically relevant screening tool for adolescent dancers.

Main Methods:

• The Columbia Adolescent Dancer Screen (CADS) was developed and administered to dancers in two pre-professional studios.
• The screen included injury history, health questionnaires, physical assessments (aerobic capacity, ROM, strength, balance), and technique evaluation.
• Feasibility was assessed through practicality, demand, implementation, and adaptation, with 14 weeks of injury surveillance.

Main Results:

• The CADS was practical, screening 7-8 dancers per hour with minimal cost and space requirements.
• High demand was indicated by full screening slots and dancer participation in follow-up surveillance.
• The screen was implemented across two cohorts with efficiency improvements made for the second cohort.

Conclusions:

• The Columbia Adolescent Dancer Screen (CADS) is a feasible, pragmatic, and efficient screening tool for adolescent dancers.
• The CADS can establish baseline values, guide wellness recommendations, and foster medical professional relationships.
• This tool addresses barriers to screening and supports proactive injury management in young dancers.