Epidemiology of women's gymnastics injuries.

Injury information from 98 participants in 2 years of interscholastic women's gymnastics competition in four Seattle area high schools was collected by certified athletic trainers. During the 2nd year of data collection, the study was expanded to include an additional 12-team high school league, 2 college teams, and 3 private clubs. A wide variety of injuries was observed, the total time loss injury rate was 39.8 injuries per 100 participant-seasons. Strains and sprains involving the back, particularly the lumbar region, appeared to occur more frequently than in most other interscholastic athletic activities. Ankle sprains were also common, and a relatively high frequency of thigh and leg strains and overuse problems of the leg were seen. This suggests that there may well be room for improvement in conditioning and other preventive programs in women's gymnastics.