Injury Rates, Frequency, and Time Loss in NCAA Division I Cheerleading

Abstract

This study looked at the injury rates and time loss for collegiate cheerleaders specifically. This study examined injury rates by injury site and type and compared differences between males and females. This study also examined average time loss per injury site. This data was reported by an on-line questionnaire which was developed and validated by this researcher specifically for this study. It was found that the only significant difference between male and female rates was at the head and neck. Females had a significantly higher injury rate at the head and neck. It was found that the shoulder was the most frequently injured body part in males and the ankle was the most frequently injured body part in females. Injuries to the knee caused the most time loss. Muscle strains were found to be the most common type of injury in both males and females.