Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Professional Skaters

Dr. Amruta Khilwani, Jessica Anthony

Abstract: As a sport, skating is recognized as a unique combination of art and athleticism. Skating is popular all over the world, but it is a very demanding sport. Skating combines free skating elements performed in unison by a pair of skaters, with other elements performed together, such as lifts, throw jumps, and coordinated and common - axis spins. Skating injuries are typically acute in nature, ranging from small lacerations to bone fractures, and mainly involve the upper limbs. Sex and age have been suggested as potential injury risk factors in skating, as the risk of hospital admission for male skaters was found to be almost double that of female skaters, and several studies have found higher percentages of injuries in children and adolescents when compared with older populations. Experience has also been related to a higher risk of severe injuries, as more experienced skaters attempt riskier maneuvers at higher speeds. When comparing the disciplines of skating, injuries can be common in pairs skating followed by singles skating.

Keywords: Professional, skaters, musculoskeletal injuries, semi advance, advance, skating