Injuries in Competitive Figure Skaters.

In brief This study determined the nature and incidence of skating injuries in 19 high-level competitors ranging from 11 to 19 years old. The subjects completed a one-page questionnaire on their skating history, warm-up routine, medical problems, and skating injuries, and they were examined for anatomical malalignment, strength, flexibility, and evidence of injury. Most injuries were from overuse, but there were few serious injuries for the large number of hours they spent training, and the incidence of injury compares favorably with other sports. The authors say the low incidence may be related to the stretching exercises that the skaters performed.