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The effect of dance training on menstrual function in collegiate dancing students
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Summary
Intense dance training is linked to menstrual irregularities and a higher risk of injuries in students. Dancers with irregular periods often have lower body mass and more musculoskeletal problems.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Dance Science
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- The demanding nature of professional dance training can impact dancers' physiological health.
- Menstrual dysfunction and musculoskeletal injuries are common concerns in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between dance training intensity, menstrual patterns, and musculoskeletal injuries in collegiate dancers.
- To identify specific dance genres associated with higher risks.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 98 dancing students from a collegiate school.
- Data collected via interviews using a structured questionnaire on training, menstrual history, and injuries.
- Statistical analysis comparing eumenorrhoeic, oligomenorrhoeic, and amenorrhoeic dancers, and by dance genre.
Main Results:
- 72% of students were eumenorrhoeic, 15.4% oligomenorrhoeic, and 13.4% had amenorrhoea.
- Amenorrhoeic dancers trained more hours weekly and had lower body mass index (BMI) compared to eumenorrhoeic dancers.
- Oligomenorrhoeic and amenorrhoeic dancers exhibited higher rates of musculoskeletal injuries and chronic orthopaedic issues.
- Ballet dancers showed higher menstrual dysfunction and injury incidence, with significantly lower BMI than other genres.
Conclusions:
- A correlation exists between menstrual dysfunction and increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries in dancers.
- Lower BMI and hormonal mechanisms may contribute to these associations.
- Dance training intensity and genre are significant factors affecting dancers' reproductive and musculoskeletal health.