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  • Title: Epidemiology of strain/sprain injuries among cheerleaders in the United States.
    Author: Shields BJ, Smith GA.
    Journal: Am J Emerg Med; 2011 Nov; 29(9):1003-12. PubMed ID: 20708874.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of cheerleading-related strain/sprain injuries by type of cheerleading team and type of event. METHODS: Athlete exposure (AE) and injury data were collected from 412 United States cheerleading teams via the Cheerleading Reporting Information Online surveillance tool, and injury rates were calculated. RESULTS: Strains/Sprains were the most common injury (53%; 0.5 injuries per 1000 AEs) sustained by cheerleaders during our 1-year study. The lower extremities (42%), particularly the ankles (28%), were injured most often. Most injuries occurred during practice (82%); however, the rate of injury was higher during competition (0.8 injuries per 1000 AEs; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6-1.0) than during practice (0.6 injuries per 1000 AEs; 95% CI, 0.5-0.6) for all team types. Injuries were sustained most frequently by high school cheerleaders (51%), although college cheerleaders had the highest injury rate (1.2 injuries per 1000 AEs). Strains/Sprains occurred most frequently while attempting a stunt (34%) or while tumbling (32%). Spotting/Basing other cheerleaders (19%) was the most common mechanism of injury and was more likely to result in a lower back strain/sprain than other mechanisms of injury (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.41-8.09; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Cheerleaders should increase their focus on conditioning and strength-building training, which may help to prevent strain/sprain injuries. Spotters and bases should additionally focus on proper lifting technique to help avoid back injury. Guidelines may need to be developed for return-to-play after cheerleading-related strain/sprain injuries.
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