The cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio)Dance movements requires explosive power, sustained effort and both local and general endurance. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are the most frequent medical problems among dancers in ballet, which is partly owing to inadequate training and dancers not being properly prepared for the demands of the dance performance. The purpose of the present study was to determine the cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries amongst student dancers at TUT. The study used a prospective, cohort design. A total of 49 student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) were followed up over 16 weeks in the 2007 academic year. The student dancers completed a questionnaire about previous injuries, and factors influencing injuries. Of the 49 student dancers, 41 (83%) consent to participate. There were 10 cumulative injuries incurred by 41 student dancers over 16 weeks period i.e. 7.1 %, 0.06 injuries incurred per student month at risk.The main limitations to this study were small sample size and possible reporting biases. Further research should aim to standardize injury definitions and classifications