Mechanisms Leading to Catastrophic Sport Injury in Gymnastics

Undergraduates: Megan Hale, Kristen L. Kucera, PhD, MSPH, ATC, LAT

Faculty Advisor: Kristen Kucera
Department: Exercise & Sport Science

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Gymnasts execute complex and highflying feats that create unique circumstances that may put them at risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR), male gymnastics had one of the highest direct catastrophic injury rates per 100,000 participants, ranking among sports like football and ice hockey. The purpose of this study is to describe the events, activities, and mechanisms behind catastrophic sport-related injury in high school and college level gymnastics. Cases were found using the NCCSIR surveillance system and included catastrophic sport related injuries among high school and college level gymnasts from 1982 to 2015 (n=31). A detailed review will determine injury characteristics including: event being executed (vault, beam, floor, etc.); activity leading to the injury (rotation, approach, landing, etc.); and mechanism of the injury (contact with matt, contact with vault, etc.). Results from this study will expand insight into the circumstances surrounding catastrophic injuries in gymnastics and inform future research and prevention measures focused on activities and mechanisms of greatest concern.