Epidemiology And Meta-analysis Of Figure Skating Injuries Among Discipline And Sex

Changes in sport judging, equipment and culture have contributed to increased physical demands placed on competitive figure skaters. A state-of-the-evidence on injury epidemiology is needed to inform skaters and coaches and prepare care professionals for current medical needs. PURPOSE: To compare skating-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries among female and male skaters in different skating disciplines and provide meta-analysis of injury risk by discipline. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on several databases, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Epidemiological studies of musculoskeletal injury patterns by skating discipline (singles, pairs, dancers, synchronized) or sex were included. Meta-analyses for binary outcomes was performed. Odds ratios (OR) between groups were determined, with estimates of homogeneity and variability in effect size (I2). RESULTS: 21 studies were initially identified. Lifetime injury prevalence for all skaters ranges 40-79.5%. Overall lower limb and low back injuries are most common sites for all skaters, irrespective of sex or discipline. Chronic injures are more common in singles compared to acute injures in other disciplines (68.9% overuse vs 31.1% acute). Leg and foot stress fractures are more common in singles versus synchronized skaters (11.8-21.4% vs 10%). Osgood Schlatter and patellofemoral pain are common in all disciplines (2.9%-40%). Males have more upper extremity injuries versus females. Concussions are most common in synchronized versus other disciplines (3.4-46.8% vs 2.0-3.3%) Three studies were of sufficient quality to include in the meta-analysis. Analyses were performed for injury rates, comparing singles to pairs and dancers (N = 841 participants). Compared to singles skaters, dancers had lower injury rates (OR: -1.87; p < .001, homogeneity Q = p < .04; I2 = 0.68). Similarly, pairs skaters had lower injury rates than singles skaters (OR: -1.09; p < .01, homogeneity Q = .09; I2 = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Singles skaters will more likely experience an MSK injury than other disciplines. Medical preparedness for acute injuries may focus on lower body sprains, strains, head injuries and acute foot-leg fractures. Chronic injury prevention could include volume and rest tracking, appropriate technique and off-ice strength and conditioning.