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Preventing dance injuries: current perspectives
Authors Russell J
Received 15 June 2013
Accepted for publication 9 July 2013
Published 30 September 2013 Volume 2013:4 Pages 199—210
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S36529
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single anonymous peer review
Peer reviewer comments 4
Video abstract presented by Jeffrey A Russell
Views: 1365
Jeffrey A Russell
Division of Athletic Training, School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
Abstract: Dancers are clearly athletes in the degree to which sophisticated physical capacities are required to perform at a high level. The standard complement of athletic attributes – muscular strength and endurance, anaerobic and aerobic energy utilization, speed, agility, coordination, motor control, and psychological readiness – all are essential to dance performance. In dance, as in any athletic activity, injuries are prevalent. This paper presents the research background of dance injuries, characteristics that distinguish dance and dancers from traditional sports and athletes, and research-based perspectives into how dance injuries can be reduced or prevented, including the factors of physical training, nutrition and rest, flooring, dancing en pointe, and specialized health care access for dancers. The review concludes by offering five essential components for those involved with caring for dancers that, when properly applied, will assist them in decreasing the likelihood of dance-related injury and ensuring that dancers receive optimum attention from the health care profession: (1) screening; (2) physical training; (3) nutrition and rest; (4) specialized dance health care; and (5) becoming acquainted with the nature of dance and dancers.
Keywords: dance, injuries, injury prevention, fitness, wellness, health
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