|
Abstract
|
OBJECTIVE: Injury epidemiology and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have not been researched in baton twirlers. This cross-sectional study described time-loss injuries sustained by competitive collegiate baton twirlers, identified the relationship between training volume and injuries, and established injury impact on HRQOL.
METHODS: An online survey was used to collect activity volume, number and characteristics of time-loss injuries experienced within a 12-month window, and HRQOL via the Short Form-36. Current injury status was addressed to place participants into categories: no injury history (No Injury), history of injury but no symptoms (Injury Hx, No Sx), and currently injured (Current Injury).
RESULTS: One hundred forty-two participants met the inclusion criteria. One hundred twenty-eight (90%) participants experienced a time-loss injury with 295 total reported injuries (2.1±1.4; range 1-9 injuries). Sixty-two percent of all reported injuries were still producing symptoms. There was a high average reported injury severity score (6.3±2.3). The most commonly affected area was the hip/thigh (30%), followed by the knee (15%) and ankle (14%). The Current Injury group had worse SF-36 bodily pain (p=0.003), vitality domains (p=0.001), and physical composite score (p=0.015) compared to the No Injury group. Both the No Injury and Injury Hx, No Sx groups performed better than the Current Injury group on physical function (p=0.007 and 0.02, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Competitive collegiate baton twirlers experience the majority of injuries in the lower extremity which cause prolonged physical and non-physical symptoms.
Language: en |