Injuries in women's gymnastics

Abstract

In this 5-year study of women gymnasts, 70 participants (i.e., one woman for one season) sustained 66 major injuries (i.e., brought to the attention of a physician and produced disability). Forty-seven of the 70 athletes sustained injuries. The trunk had the lowest incidence of injuries (11), the upper extremity had 20, and the lower extremity had the highest incidence (35 injuries). Two categories, stress or trauma, segregated the injuries and provided rationale for the high incidence of injuries on this team. These athletes were of national caliber. They were constantly trying to improve performance. They engaged in intensive practice and difficult maneuvers. The self-motiva tion of these women increased the number of injuries caused by stress (a total of 21); the combination of intensive practice and the maneuvers is responsible for the traumatic injuries (45). From this evidence, women's gymnastics should be rec ognized as a hazardous sport for the competitor. Risk factors should be evaluated constantly by her, the coach, and the team physician.