Injury Epidemiology and Occurrences in a Division 1 Collegiate Cheerleading Team
Date of Award
Fall 11-18-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (EdD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
Injuries are a risk in all sports, with cheerleading historically accounting for a significant portion of catastrophic injuries in female athletes. Despite advancements in safety protocols, injury rates and epidemiology in collegiate cheerleading have not been thoroughly examined in the last 40 years. This study aimed to investigate injury occurrence, rate, and epidemiology in a coed collegiate cheerleading team throughout a competitive season, exploring the relationships between injury and experience level. A total of 49 cheerleaders (male n=23; female n=26), aged 18-23, participated in three surveys assessing demographics, injury reports, and self-perceived daily reports. To determine if any changes occurred throughout the season, body composition was measured at baseline, midseason, and postseason. Sixteen injuries were reported, resulting in an overall injury rate of 24.37%. No significant relationship was found between injury occurrence and skill level (p=0.573) or gender (p=0.825). However, significant differences were observed between average stress and fatigue levels (p=0.004). Concussions were the most frequent injury (25%), with practice and partner stunting being the most common injury contexts. Both male and female athletes showed a slight increase in overall body fat percentage throughout the duration of the season. These findings suggest the need for improved safety protocols, skill progression checks, and a better understanding of athletes' skill levels to reduce injury risk.