Factors Related with the Incidence of Injuries Appearance to the Male and Female Gymnasts at the Competition Level

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the external risk factors that contribute to sports injuries in female gymnasts. 87 female gymnasts (involved all categories and levels) from all over Greece, average age 11.53 (SD=2.1), participated in this study. Questionnaire through personal interview was used for data collection. According to results, only 27% of all injuries involved the upper extremity; the remainder were all lower extremity injuries (72.7%). A higher incidence of injuries occurred on «floor» exercises in comparison with the other three gymnastics equipment (Vault, Beam, Asymmetric Bars). Ankle injuries (ankle sprain) accounted for 27.5% of all injuries. A higher incidence of injuries occurred during training and mainly at the preparatory season. In conclusion it could be mentioned that gymnastic injuries occurs mainly in lower limbs at the practice in preparatory season, primarily at the floor resulting the appearance of sprains.