title: Prevalence and types of injuries in aerobic dancers.
abstract: A sample of 726 aerobic dancers was surveyed by questionnaire to document the prevalence, types, and severity of injuries experienced. Data were gathered on demographics, exercise behavior, and environmental conditions during a 1 week period. Most of the subjects (66%) engaged in aerobic dance classes at least every other day, with a mean exercise time of 195 minutes per week. Twenty-eight percent of the subjects had been exercising 1 to 2 years, and 26% had been exercising 2 years or longer. Forty-nine percent of the subjects reported a history of at least one injury related to aerobic dancing. Most of the injuries were to the shin (24.5%), lower back (12.9%), and ankle (12.2%). Among those subjects injured, 23% reportedly saw a physician because of their injury. The frequency with which subjects exercised was associated with a history of injury. Subjects who exercised fewer than four times per week reported fewer injuries (43%) than those who exercised four times per week (60%) or more (66%). This study is a first step toward providing data to help physicians counsel aerobic dancers regarding injury prevention.
authors.affiliation: Moses H. Cone Hospital, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401-1007.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Rothenberger
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Cable
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003615:Dancing; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D012775:Shoes / Q000009:adverse effects; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*