This is an archive copy of a document originally located at http://www.sport.vic.gov.au/web/srv/srvsite.nsf/pages/research_injury_gymnastics?OpenDocument  all copyright remains with creator.

See other sports injury prevention fact sheets.

• Gymnastics is defined as practice or training in physical exercises that develop physical strength and agility or mental capacity.
• Gymnastics is popular in Australia, particularly amongst children and adolescents.
• There are many levels of gymnastics activity including recreation, non-elite competition (levels 1-7), high level competition (levels 8-10) and elite.
• There are six major disciplines of gymnastics:
  • Men's Artistic Gymnastics
  • Women's Artistic Gymnastics
  • Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics
  • Sport Aerobics
  • General Gymnastics
  • Trampoline Sports.

Participants at risk of injury:

• High level competitive gymnasts are more at risk of injury than recreational gymnasts because of their high number of training hours and the complexity of the skills they perform
• Elite gymnasts, and those training many hours a week, are at risk of sustaining an overuse type injury.
• Participants attempting skills that they are not yet physically or mentally prepared for place themselves at risk of injury.
• Anyone at 'horseplay' within a gym is also at risk of injury.
• Older adults have a greater risk of injury due to their decreased balance, strength and bone density.

• The ankle and foot are the most common site of injury in both males and females.
• Injuries also occur to the lower back, knee and wrist/hand.
• Males are more likely to sustain an upper body injury.
• Females are more likely to sustain an injury to their lower body.
• Both elite and non-elite gymnasts report acute and chronic (e.g. overuse) injuries.
• Injuries to recreational gymnasts are less common, but both acute and chronic injuries do occur.

Many injuries in gymnastics can be prevented by implementing safety measures. The following injury prevention tips apply to all gymnasts, irrespective of the level of their participation. Attention to preparing for gymnastics and gradual skills development are the most effective ways to prevent injury.

Safety for the general gymnast:

• All gymnasts should wear appropriate attire. This includes no baggy clothing, no jewellery, long hair tied back and bare feet or running shoes (i.e., no slippery socks).
• All gymnasts should do a general warm-up consisting of aerobic activity (e.g. walking, jogging or movement to music) and an all-over body stretch.
• All gymnasts should be aware of their environment and potential hazards. In particular, gymnasts should look out for wires/chains that may be stabilising equipment, take notice of surface changes (e.g. landing mats) and watch for the paths of other gymnasts.
• All gymnasts should have frequent, short drink breaks. It is too late to drink water once you feel thirsty.

• Pre-school children have special physiological and social needs.
• They should therefore be enrolled in a Kindergym Australia gymnastics program, conducted by trained coaches and using modified gymnastics equipment.

• Gymnasts should "listen to their own body". They should follow their own tempo, move with relaxed body rhythm and stay within their individual boundaries.
• Participants should not try to keep up with others in the group if the activity is too difficult or the pace too fast.
• Participants should not perform exercises involving the same muscle groups more than twice in succession.
• Progression of exercises may need to be more gradual for older adults to avoid injury.

• The warm-up areas should be level, firm and free from obstruction.
• Consideration should be given to ceiling height, floor surface, lighting and heating/ventilation.
• All matting must be non-slip and without gaps. Spraying the underside of mats with water will help prevent slipping.
• An appropriate distance between apparatus must be allowed to cater for unintentional falls.
• Equipment should be able to be modified in terms of heights, widths and access

• Coaches should be accredited through the Australian Coaching Council.
• Activities must be appropriate to the age and ability of the participant.
• Skills should be taught in a progressive manner, with readiness (strength, flexibility, understanding of requirements, etc.) eing constantly monitored.
• Programs should be balanced, providing a variety of content over a period of classes. They should include adequate physical conditioning and a range of movement experiences.
• Conditioning programs should focus on the major muscle groups for strength as well as the smaller muscle groups for joint stabilisation.
• All lessons should include adequate warm-up and cool-down sessions.

• Injured gymnasts should stop their activity and have their injury or level of incapacity evaluated.
• Injured gymnasts should be referred to a sports medicine specialist for appropriate, specific care.
• Injured gymnasts should undertake a specific, supervised rehabilitation program before returning to full activity.
• An injured gymnast does not need to stay away from the gym during rehabilitation. Maintaining contact with coaches and friends enhances the rehabilitation process. The gymnastic environment will help an individual remain motivated and in good spirits.

Deakin University.
School of Health Sciences.
221 Burwood Highway,
Burwood, Victoria, 3125.
Telephone: 03 9251 7084.
http://www.hbs.deakin.edu.au/

Victorian Gymnastic Assoc.
Telephone: (03) 9650 3877

For copies of the printed brochure contact:

Sport and Recreation Victoria
GPO Box 2392V
Melbourne Vic 3000
Tel: 03 9666 4267
Fax: 03 9666 4300

Reference

Daly, R, Bass S, Finch C, Corral A-M.
Balancing gymnastics and injury risk - a review of injury countermeasures.
School of Health Sciences
Research Report No. 98005.
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
Deakin University. September 1998.

Acknowledgements

Funding for this project was received from Sport and Recreation Victoria.
The Victorian Gymnastic Association's assistance in the production of this fact sheet is gratefully acknowledged.
Photo of Tracey Penaluna and Rachel Kmetko courtesy of the Victorian Gymnastic Association (not available in the on-line version).