Musculoskeletal Injuries and Pain in Dancers a Systematic Review Update

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assemble and synthesize the best available literature from 2004 to 2008 on musculoskeletal injury and pain in dancers. MEDLINE and CINAHL were the primary sources of data. Indexed terms such as dance, dancer, dancing, athletic injuries, occupational injuries, sprains and strains, musculoskel-etal diseases, bone density, menstruation disturbances, and eating disorders were used to search the databases. Citations were screened for relevance using a priori criteria, and relevant studies were critically reviewed for scientific merit by the best-evidence synthesis method. After screening, 19 articles were found to be scientifically admissible. Data from accepted studies were abstracted into evidence tables relating to: prevalence and associated factors; incidence and risk factors; intervention; and injury characteristics and prognosis of musculoskeletal injury and pain in dancers. Principal findings included: a high prevalence and incidence of lower extremity, hip and back injuries; preliminary evidence that psychosocial and psychological issues such as stress and coping strategies affect injury frequency and duration; history of a previous lateral ankle sprain is associated with an increased risk of ankle sprain in the contralateral ankle in dance students; fatigue may play a role in ACL injury in dancers; acute hamstring strains in dancers affect tendon more than muscle tissue, often resulting in prolonged absence from dance. It is concluded that, while there are positive developments in the literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of MSK injuries and pain in dancers, much room for improvement remains. Suggestions for future research are offered.

Injuries and musculoskeletal pain among Norwegian group fitness instructors

“…A high EDI score, and hence more symptoms of disordered eating, was a predictor of both instruction‐related injuries and musculoskeletal pain. This is in accordance with findings from previous studies (Jacobs et al, 2012; Liederbach & Compagno, 2001; Wentz et al, 2012). Energy deficiency and disordered eating that may lead to medical complications on the musculoskeletal system, such as osteopenia/osteoporosis and myopathy (Mitchell & Crow, 2006).…”

“…Despite the numerous health‐related advantages of physical activity and exercise, a major drawback is the risk of injuries, which have been studied intensively among athletes in different sports (Van Mechelen, Hlobil, & Kemper, 1992). The prevalence of injuries among dancers range from 47% to 84% among contemporary dancers to 91% among ballet dancers with the most frequent injury and pain locations being lower extremities and low back (Garrick, Gillien, & Whiteside, 1986; Jacobs, Hincapie, & Cassidy, 2012; Nordin‐Bates et al, 2011). Among aerobic dancers and participants in dance classes at fitness centres, one study reported that 49% of aerobic dancers had a history of at least one injury related to aerobic dancing (Rothenberger, Chang, & Cable, 1988).…”

“…The prevalence is especially high among instructors with a high exercise and instruction load (Hoglund & Normen, 2002). Associations have been reported between one or more of the triad components (low energy availability/disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction and low bone mineral density) and injuries among athletes (Thein‐Nissenbaum, Rauh, Carr, Loud, & McGuine, 2011; Wentz, Liu, Ilich, & Haymes, 2012), military recruits (Rauh, Macera, Trone, Shaffer, & Brodine, 2006) and dancers (Jacobs et al, 2012; Liederbach & Compagno, 2001). However, the possible association between symptoms of disordered eating and injuries among group fitness instructors in general has not been investigated.…”

Ground reaction force as a factor responsible for the topography of injuries in professional dance. An analysis of three dance styles: classical dance, modern dance, and folk dance

“…Back pain represents one of the most common diseases across various populations of workers worldwide ( 28 , 29 ). The lumbar spine connects to the pelvis at the L 5 -S 1 joint, and this area is usually the source of pain and dysfunction among dancers ( 8 – 10 , 30 , 31 ). Lower back pain (LBP) is an ongoing injury among dancers that has a lasting negative effect, even after they have stopped dancing professionally ( 31 ).…”

Movement concepts approach in studies on flamenco dancing: A systematic review

“…Nowadays, more frequently we find literature that focuses on dancers' musculoskeletal health arising from epidemiological data regarding the incidence of injuries in adult professional dancers (Jacobs, Hincapié, & Cassidy, 2012). However, the literature analysis shows very limited research interest in flamenco issues.…”