Author(s): ELBAZ, L., DAR, G., SHENHAR, M., STEINBERG, N. , Institution: WINGATE ACADEMIC COLLEGE, Country: ISRAEL, Abstract-ID: 1302

INTRODUCTION:
Young competitive gymnasts are exposed to high training volumes and repetitive extreme movements from an early age, placing them at increased risk for musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in the lower extremities and spine. Identified intrinsic risk factors include reduced muscle strength, elevated BMI, delayed biological maturation, and absence of menarche. Most existing studies are retrospective and seldom differentiate between gymnastics disciplines. Purpose: to prospectively examine the prevalence of lower-extremity musculoskeletal injuries in young competitive gymnasts over 2 years, to compare injury incidence across 3 gymnastics disciplines, and to identify factors predictive of these injuries.
METHODS:
A total of 129 young competitive gymnasts (11.6 ± 1.8 years) from rhythmic (n = 69), acrobatic (n = 35), and artistic (n = 25) gymnastics were followed during two years. The following assessments were conducted at baseline, one year later (1st follow-up) and two years later (2nd follow-up): training volume, anthropometric characteristics, bone properties and muscle strength. Musculoskeletal injuries of the ankle, shin, knee, hip, and spine were clinically assessed by a physiotherapist at each evaluation session. Injuries were categorized into three groups: tendon, joint, and bone.
RESULTS:
In the overall sample, the prevalence of tendon and joint injuries increased from baseline (11.6%, 38.8% respectively) to the 1st follow-up (73.8%, 58% respectively), followed by a moderate decline at the 2nd follow-up (51.5%, 47.7% respectively) (p < 0.001 ; p = 0.0025). Bone injury prevalence demonstrated a gradual increase across time points, from baseline to the 1st and 2nd follow-ups (28.7%, 36.6%, 39.8% respectively), although this trend did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.054). Artistic gymnasts exhibited the highest injury prevalence across disciplines: bone injuries at baseline (48%), joint and tendon injuries at the 1st follow-up (61.1% ; 83.3%, respectively), despite no statistically significant differences between disciplines (p > 0.05).
Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) regression analyses indicated that higher BMI and greater muscle strength were associated with increased odds of tendon injuries (OR = 1.30 and 1.53 respectively; p = 0.042), while older age reduced the odds (OR = 0.51; p = 0.018). Higher training level predicted lower odds of joint injuries (OR = 0.75; p = 0.031). No significant predictors of bone injuries were identified.

CONCLUSION:
Musculoskeletal injuries are highly prevalent among young competitive gymnasts, with injury patterns varying across disciplines. Modifiable factors, including BMI, muscle strength, and training volume, are associated with injury risk. These findings highlight the need for discipline-specific monitoring and targeted prevention strategies to protect the musculoskeletal health of young gymnasts