Dance-related injuries among kids on the rise: study

Columbus, OH – Dance-related injuries among children and adolescents increased 37 percent between 1991 and 2007, according to a new study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, researchers found that a total of 113,084 people 3-19 years old were treated in emergency departments for dance-related injuries from 1999 to 2007. The number of injuries increased to 8,477 in 2007 from 6,175 in 1991.

The most common types of injuries were sprains and strains, and most injuries were caused by falls, the study abstract states. Fifty-five percent of injuries were suffered while performing classical dance, such as ballet, jazz, tap or modern dance.

Teens 15-19 sustained 40 percent of injuries, which researchers attributed to spending more time training and practicing as the teens advanced in dance.

To help prevent injuries, researchers advised dancers to stay well-hydrated, perform warm-up and cool-down exercises, use proper dancing techniques, and obtain adequate rest.

The study was published in the February issue of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health.