Summary of the type of evidence for the effectiveness of counter measures against injury in gymnastics (numbers are reference numbers)
| Counter measures | Anecdotal or informed/expert opinion | Biomechanical/ experimental research | Data based studies (uncontrolled) | Prospective studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coaching | ||||
| Physical preparation | ||||
| General physical conditioning | 4,9,19,20,23,25,38,49,50,82,83,87 | — | — | 23 |
| Strength training | 4,7,10,20,28,50,59,67,71,88 | — | — | 26 |
| Adequate warm up, flexibility, and cool down | 4,7,10,20,23,24,50,67,71,85,88 | — | 32,33 | — |
| Education | ||||
| Education of coaches and gymnasts | 4,38,44,67 | — | 44 | 39 |
| Coaching techniques and student/instructor ratio | 4,10,20,23,24,25,38,50,58,59,62,64,72,85 | — | 40,64 | 23,24,39 |
| Spotting | 4,7,10,11,39,43,58,62,85,86 | — | 44 | 23,24,39 |
| Performance technique | ||||
| Landing technique(s) and posture | 20,38,44,46,48,49,50,59,84,85,88 | 48,57,84 | 44,46 | 20,23,24 |
| Equipment | ||||
| Facilities, equipment design and maintenance | 4,50,62,72,74,85,87,89 | 61 | 40,44,74 | 24,39 |
| Use of safety equipment (matting, padding) | 4,11,19,38,44,50,60,63,67,71,84,85,88 | 57,84 | 40,44 | 19,23,24,39 |
| Personal protective equipment (dowel grips or handguards) | 7,71,72,73,74,85 | 72 | 73 | — |
| Health support system | ||||
| Medical screening | 4,9,10,20,25,49,71,83 | — | — | — |
| Appropriate treatment and rehabilitation | 20,62,63,67,71,82,83,85 | — | — | — |