Analysis of sports injuries in young athletes of competitive rhythmic gymnastics in the infantile category

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study has been to identify and analyze the most common injuries in rhythmic gymnastic based on the characteristics of training, as well as the potential areas in which prevention measures could be applied.

Method

This is a descriptive retrospective longitudinal study using a questionnaire-interview given to 64 gymnasts (age: 11.84 ± 1.81 years; body mass: 38.43 ± 7.86 kg; height: 1.47 ± 0.11 m). The variables studied were the practice time and the injuries suffered by the gymnasts (location, typology, severity, production mechanism and the moment in which they occurred).

Results

A total of 50 injuries was registered; 19 mild (38%), 23 moderate (46%) and 8 severe (16%). The most affected body region was the back (42%) followed by ankle with a 16%. The most frequent injuries were muscle contractures (48%), sprains (20%), tendinopathy (16%) and muscle micro-tears/tears (6%). Regarding the injury mechanisms, we would highlight the overtraining (44%) and bad support (30%). The phase with the highest injury incidence was the warm-up (50%).

Conclusions

The most common injuries were muscular and tendon type, back was the most affected area. Results indicate the need for preventive measures, overall to the lower body joints, ankle and knee.