037 Musculoskeletal injuries among competitive Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts – a prospective cohort study of prevalence, incidence and risk factors. (3rd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charlotte Dobbertin Gram, Marte; Clarsen, Benjamin; Bø, Kari
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 54(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A17
• Page End: A17
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-IOCAbstracts.37
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Rhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic sport combining elements from ballet, gymnastics and dance with manipulation of hand-held apparatus. Most elements require extreme flexibility and strength. There has been little research on musculoskeletal injuries among rhythmic gymnasts. Objective: To determine the extent and determinants of musculoskeletal injuries among competitive Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts at national and international level. Participants: One-hundred and seven out of 133 (80.5%) female rhythmic gymnasts participated (mean age: 14.5 years (SD 1.6), mean BMI: 18.9 (SD 2.2)). Interventions: All gymnasts completed a baseline questionnaire including the Triad-Specific Self-Report Questionnaire. Then, they recorded musculoskeletal injuries and training hours weekly for 15 weeks using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H2). Main outcome measurements: Prevalence and incidence of musculoskeletal injuries (all physical complaints). Results: Gymnasts' response rate to the OSTRC-H2 was 97%. The average overuse injury prevalence was 44% (95% CI: 43 – 46%) and the average acute injury prevalence was 5% (95% CI: 4 – 6%). The incidence rate was 4.6 new overuse injuries (95% CI: 3.8 – 5.4) and 1.1 new acute injuries (95% CI: 0.8 – 1.5) per gymnast per year. The knees, lower back and hip/groin were the most common injury locations. Significant risk factors included previous injury (OR 37, 95% CI: 6 – 214), attempts to change body weight (OR 13.1, 95% CI: 1.5 – 114.4), and additional hours of weekly training (OR 1.2 per hour, 95% CI: 1.1 – 1.4). Increased age reduced the odds of injury (OR 0.4 per year, 95% CI: 0.2 – 0.7). Conclusions: Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts have high rates of overuse injuries. Injury prevention interventions should start at an early age and focus on healthy weight regulation and load management.