Identifying training factors for injury risk reduction in UK elite figure skaters - A pilot study

Overuse injuries and stress fractures are common in figure skating. Risk reduction strategies based on the current available evidence may not be fully utilised by senior elite skaters in the UK. This study aimed to establish the training practices of this cohort and identify areas for improvement.

An anonymous survey with 34 questions was distributed to all athletes from the senior British National Figure Skating Championships in the UK (n ​= ​28) detailing training practices, injury prevention strategies, nutritional habits, and injury history and knowledge. Comparisons were made against recommended best practices from available literature with analyses for injury prevalence and gender or discipline (Fisher's exact test).

Responses from 16 athletes demonstrated previous major injury (4 weeks away from training) in 81 ​%, and 13 ​% had sustained stress fractures. High uptake in the use of rest days (100 ​%) and strength and conditioning training (94 ​%) was demonstrated. No skaters regularly monitored jump loads. Dietary monitoring was performed by 31 ​% of respondents, with 44 ​% of skaters reporting previous nutritional deficiency diagnosis. All skaters (100 ​%) desired better injury prevention education.

Load monitoring, including jump counts, dietary tracking, and provision of accessible educational resources for skaters and coaches are areas of potential improvement in practice and future research. Screening for vitamin D and iron deficiency may be of benefit in this population.