Study of the causes, frequency and localization of injuries among pole acrobatics athletes

Abstract

Pole acrobatics is a popular sport and fitness activity that has undergone some stigmatization but is now recognized as a form of fitness, sport, and circus art. The aim of this study was to identify the causes and frequency of injuries among pole acrobatics athletes. An online survey was conducted, and 108 participants of mature age (aged 21 to 35 for women and 22 to 35 for men) from Ukraine were selected. The study showed that 87.10% of participants experienced an injury during pole training at least once a year. Most respondents (82.40%) reported bruises, contusions, and soft tissue injuries. 30.55% of respondents reported muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries, 17.59% had joint injuries, and 21.29% had sprains or tears of ligaments. 11.11% of respondents suffered fractures or bone cracks. Only 5.60% had no experience of injury during pole trainings. 75.80% of respondents sometimes experience painful sensations in joints, ligaments, or soft tissues, while 16.70% claimed to feel them constantly. Injuries obtained during pole trainings were treated independently by 63.88% of respondents, 26.85% consulted a traumatologist, and 25% consulted a physical therapist or rehabilitation specialist. Only 3.70% required surgical intervention, and 23.14% sought help from a massage therapist. The most common cause of injury during pole acrobatics training was unsuccessful execution of an element (71.87%). 34.37% of respondents suffered injuries due to falling from the pole. The most common injuries were to the shoulders (48.1% of respondents), thighs (28.67%), wrists (27.75%), and knees (37.00%). 43.15% of respondents experienced injuries during flexibility exercises at least once. Injuries during dynamic combinations were experienced by 37.89% of respondents, 32.63% during strength lifts (flag, tulip lift), 26.31% during static strength tricks, 25.26% during catches, 17.89% during extreme acrobatic tricks (Devil Drop, Switch/Fonji, etc.), 15.78% during dismounts, 13.68% during balance exercises (handstands), 11.57% during pole climbs, 7.36% during spins, and 2.10% during pole mounts. According to most respondents, increasing the quantity and quality of safety mats, improving warm-up before training, and increasing the trainer's attention can reduce the risk of traumatic episodes. Athletes who do not pay attention to safety techniques are 13.19% more likely to get injured, while physical imbalances between the right and left sides of the body increase the risk of injury by 63.24%. Keywords: pole dance, pole sport, prevention, trauma.