Grip Lock Injuries to the Forearm in Male Gymnasts

Abstract

We performed an epidemiologic survey to estimate the number of grip lock injuries occurring among male high school and college gymnasts. These injuries occur when dowel grips used by the gymnast become locked on the bar as the gymnast's momentum carries him through the skill being performed. We also questioned injured gymnasts to obtain details of their injuries. Thirty-eight high school coaches reported 17 injuries and 32 college coaches reported 21 injuries for a 10-year period; 36% of the coaches responding reported at least one such injury in their program. Of the 23 injured gymnasts who returned detailed questionnaires, 20 had sustained fractures and 9 required surgery. The distal forearm or wrist were the areas injured most often. Fourteen gymnasts had residual pain, seven had functional limitations, and eight had limited motion in the wrist. Fifteen of the 23 athletes were using a cubital (hyperpronated) grip at the time of injury and 19 were using dowel grips. Among the reasons cited for the injury, 18 gymnasts thought that their grips were either too large, worn, or stretched; 8 said the grips slid up their wrists, and 7 cited technical errors.

Grip Lock Injury in Male Gymnasts

“…Extensor tendon lag and loss of wrist range of motion may occur. 11 Despite these residual deficits, both gymnasts returned to collegiate gymnastics.…”

“…Worn and stretched grips 11 are vulnerable to locking. Gymnasts often use the same grips for months to years for a variety of reasons (comfort, superstition, economy).…”

“…Over a 10-year period, the researchers reported that 38% of responding college coaches had a gymnast who sustained a grip lock injury and that 84% of coaches were aware of a gymnast who had sustained a grip lock injury. 11 The grip used in men’s gymnastics for the high bar is a leather dowel that wraps around the wrist and middle 3 fingers (Figure 1). When the injury occurs, the leather dowel becomes locked around the high bar while the gymnast’s momentum continues to carry his body through the element.…”

Balancing the risk of injury to gymnasts: how effective are the counter measures?

“…72 Injuries associated with dowel grips usually occur when the grips used by the gymnasts become locked on the bar as the gymnast's momentum continues on through the skill being performed. 74 Others have suggested that grip lock injuries may be caused by grips that are too large, worn, stretched, or slide up the wrist. 74 It has been suggested that injuries could be prevented by careful maintenance of the equipment to ensure that the grips are in good order and fit the gymnast's hand properly.…”

“…74 Others have suggested that grip lock injuries may be caused by grips that are too large, worn, stretched, or slide up the wrist. 74 It has been suggested that injuries could be prevented by careful maintenance of the equipment to ensure that the grips are in good order and fit the gymnast's hand properly. 7…”