Citation

Dobson R. Br. Med. J. BMJ 2005; 331(7517): 594.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmj.331.7517.594-b

PMID

16166121

PMCID

PMC1215583

Abstract

Eight in 10 dancers in the United Kingdom have at least one injury a year that affects their ability to perform. Almost one in 10 are underweight, and a quarter report having had an eating problem at some time. These are among the findings of the second UK national survey of dancers' health, injuries, and life style. The report -- which looked at a range of issues, including the prevalence and causes of injury, eating disorders, psychological problems, smoking, and healthcare provision -- makes a series of recommendations, including developing regular links with healthcare professionals. The results of the survey show that although improvements have occurred since the last survey in 1996, some areas still require action. It shows that 80% of the 1056 professional dancers surveyed experience at least one injury each year.