Cheerleader injuries in Korean teenagers

Abstract

Purpose Incidence and prevalence of Korean teenager cheerleading injuries were surveyed. Methods A total of 769 junior cheerleaders who participated in National Sport Cheerleading Competitions responded to a questionnaire, and 435 reported experiences of injuries. Results Risk factors for injury included older age (p<0.001), increased experience (p<0.001), and higher BMI (p<0.05). The most frequent injury occurred at wrist, ankle, knee, shoulder and waist. And the most responded types of injury were muscular pain and contusion. Cheerleading experience affected on injury prevalence. They were injured when they perform Elevator (<0.5 yrs), Cradle (0.5-1 yrs), Cradle and Basket toss (1-2 yrs), Cradle and Pyramid (2-3 yrs). These techniques involved in bodily movements of going up and cradle. About 56% of injury was treated at home or not treated at all, and 60% of injury was either self-treated or not intervened. And only 32% of cheerleaders practiced on a formal mattress. Conclusion Safety measures for these youth cheerleaders are necessary and guidelines for securing safety and preventing and treating injuries for these population are urgent.