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Women's gymnastics injuries. A 5-year study
W A Sands1, B B Shultz, A P Newman
1Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Women collegiate gymnasts train with injuries most of the time. New injuries frequently occur during intense training periods and competition preparation, with repetitive stress syndrome being most common.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Understanding injury patterns in elite athletes is crucial for prevention.
- Women's gymnastics involves high-impact movements and poses significant injury risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively analyze the time course and incidence of injuries in NCAA Division I women's gymnastics.
- To identify the types and timing of injuries throughout a competitive season.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year prospective study involving 37 NCAA Division I gymnasts.
- Injuries were self-reported immediately before training sessions, detailing body part, activity, and onset date.
- Injuries were defined as any condition interfering with training, distinguishing between new and continuing cases.
Main Results:
- Gymnasts trained with an injury during approximately 71% of exposures.
- New injuries occurred during approximately 9% of exposures.
- Repetitive stress syndrome was the most frequent injury type, with total injuries peaking mid-season and new injuries increasing during specific training and competition phases.
Conclusions:
- Elite female gymnasts experience a high prevalence of training with injuries.
- Injury incidence is linked to specific periods of training intensity and competition.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary during peak training and pre-competition phases to mitigate injury risk.