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Original article
Occurrence of acute lower limb injuries in artistic gymnasts in relation to event and exercise phase
  1. P Kirialanis,
  2. P Malliou,
  3. A Beneka,
  4. K Giannakopoulos
  1. Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr Malliou, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 7th Km Komotini-Xanthi, 69100 Komotini, Greece; 
 malliou2002{at}yahoo.gr

Abstract

Objectives: To record the incidence of lower limb injuries (acute and overuse syndromes) in Greek artistic gymnasts in relation to the event and exercise phase.

Methods: A total of 162 gymnasts (83 male and 79 female athletes) participating in the Greek artistic gymnastic championships were observed weekly for the 1999–2000 season.

Results: Ninety three (61.6%) acute injuries and 58 (38.4%) overuse syndromes were recorded. The most common anatomical location was the ankle (69 cases, 45.7%), followed by the knee (40 cases, 26.5%). The rate of mild injuries was 26.6% (25 cases), that of moderate injuries was 44% (41 cases), and that of major injuries was 29% (27 cases). The incidence of injury to the ankle and knee was significantly higher in the floor exercise, especially during the landing phase, than in the other events.

Conclusions: By its nature, gymnastics predisposes to acute injuries, but up to 75% are mild or moderate. Special attention should be paid to the floor exercise, especially the landing phase.

  • gymnastics
  • ankle
  • knee
  • injury

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.37.2.137

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