Loading...
The Epidemiology of Low Back Pain and Injury in Dance: A Systematic Review
Swain, Christopher T. V. Bradshaw, Elizabeth J. Ekegren, Christina L. Whyte, Douglas G.
Swain, Christopher T. V.
Bradshaw, Elizabeth J.
Ekegren, Christina L.
Whyte, Douglas G.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dance is a physical pursuit that involves loading the spine through repetitive dynamic movements and lifting tasks. As such, low back pain (LBP) and low back injury (LBI) have been identified as common health problems in contemporary and classical ballet dancers. However, clarity regarding the experience of LBP and LBI in dance is lacking. * OBJECTIVES: To systematically review and synthesize the epidemiology of LBP and LBI in dance populations. * METHODS: A comprehensive search of 6 electronic databases, back catalogs of dance science-specific journals, and reference lists of relevant articles and a forward citation search were performed. * RESULTS: Fifty full-text articles were included in the final systematic review. There was considerable methodological heterogeneity among the included studies. The median (range) point, yearly, and lifetime prevalence of LBP was 27% (17%-39%), 73% (41%-82%), and 50% (17%-88%), respectively. The lower back contributed to 11% (4%-22%) of time loss and 11% (5%-23%) of medical-attention injuries. * CONCLUSION: Dancers are vulnerable to LBP and LBI. The use of definitions that are sensitive to the complexity of LBP and LBI would facilitate improved understanding of the problem within dance, inform health care strategies, and allow for monitoring LBP-specific intervention outcomes.
Keywords
ballet, contemporary dance, Incidence, prevalence, risk factors
Date
2019
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
Book
Volume
49
Issue
4
Page Range
239-252
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled