Factors associated with injury and re-injury occurrence in female pole dancers.

The aim of the study was to recognise what participant-, training- and post-injury-related factors are associated with an injury and re-injury occurrence in female pole dancers (PDs). 320 female PDs fulfilled a custom survey. 1050 injuries were reported by 276 PDs, 59% of injuries were related to lower extremity, 39% to upper extremity and 10% to spine and trunk. 156 PDs reported sustaining a re-injury, and overall, 628 re-injuries were reported. The median weekly pole-specific training session volume was 90 min and 240 min in the low and high qualified group, respectively. The total training volume was 180 min in the low qualified PDs and 240 min in the high qualified group. PDs with higher height and spending more time on pole-specific training in studio and on other forms of training have higher odds of sustaining an injury. PDs with lower level of experience in training, who sustained an injury, and who had a shorter pause between the moment of injury and the return to performance, and thus who did not fully recover, have higher odds of sustaining a re-injury. Sport-specific injury prevention strategies should be developed and implemented in this cohort, since over 85% of pole dancers reported sustaining some kind of injury.

Injury epidemiology in professional ballet: a five-season prospective study of 1596 medical attention injuries and 543 time-loss injuries.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence rate, severity, burden and aetiology of medical attention and time-loss injuries across five consecutive seasons at a professional ballet company. METHODS: Medical attention injuries, time-loss injuries and dance exposure hours of 123 professional ballet dancers (women: n=66, age: 28.0±8.3 years; men: n=57, age: 27.9±8.5 years) were prospectively recorded between the 2015/2016 and 2019/2020 seasons. RESULTS: The incidence rate (per 1000 hours) of medical attention injury was 3.9 (95% CI 3.3 to 4.4) for women and 3.1 (95% CI 2.6 to 3.5) for men. The incidence rate (per 1000 hours) of time-loss injury was 1.2 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.5) for women and 1.1 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.3) for men. First Soloists and Principals experienced between 2.0-2.2 additional medical attention injuries per 1000 hours and 0.9-1.1 additional time-loss injuries per 1000 hours compared with Apprentices (p≤0.025). Further, intraseason differences were observed in medical attention, but not time-loss, injury incidence rates with the highest incidence rates in early (August and September) and late (June) season months. Thirty-five per cent of time-loss injuries resulted in over 28 days of modified dance training. A greater percentage of time-loss injuries were classified as overuse (women: 50%; men: 51%) compared with traumatic (women: 40%; men: 41%). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report the incidence rate of medical attention and time-loss injuries in professional ballet dancers. Incidence rates differed across company ranks and months, which may inform targeted injury prevention strategies.

Psychic Symptoms and Self-Esteem in Dancers.

INTRODUCTION: The mental health of the human being and a higher level of the self-esteem have the positive effects on the peace surrounding, stability, success and the personal satisfaction of any individual. The fundamental opinion is that the dance has the affect on the body and the psychical health of the people. To explore if the dancers have their less-expressed psychical symptoms and higher self-esteem. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The examination was performed on the sample of 310 examinees, mostly of the young life age and who identified themselves as the dancers or non-dancers. For the requirements of the investigation there were used the socio-demographic question-form, the psychical symptoms estimation scale (RCL-90-R) and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES). RESULTS: The dancers show the smaller appearance of the psychical symptoms and that almost in all sub-scales, but their difference is not statistically significant. The statistically significant difference among the men and the women was recorded in the subscales of the somatisations, then the interpersonal vulnerability, the depression, the anxiety and the phobias. The dancers possess their higher self-esteem then the non-dancers, but statistically their difference is not significant. Comparing the results against the sex, the persons of the female sex possess the higher self-respect than the persons of the male sex. CONCLUSION: The dancers possess less of the psychical symptoms and their higher self-esteem than the non-dancers, but the difference within the results is not significant statistically.

Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders and Anxiety State Levels in Ballet Dancers A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study evaluated the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in ballet dancers and explored their association with levels of anxiety. Participants were 51 male and female ballet dancers with a mean age of 31.5 ± 12.6 years. The diagnosis of TMDs was made in accordance with Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (RDC/TMD). All subjects completed the state part of an anxiety questionnaire (STAI). Data were gathered and analyzed using the R statistical software (version: 3.4.0.) with level of significance set at 5%. The prevalence of all TMDs in the sample was 78%; that is, of the 51 participants, 39 had at least one positive diagnosis. The two most prevalence diagnoses were disk displacement with reduction and arthralgia. Individuals with TMD had a mean anxiety score of 42.55 ± 9.92 on the STAI, whereas for those without TMD it was 44.27 ± 11.89, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.53). It is concluded that the general prevalence of TMDs in ballet dancer is higher than in the population at large. Disk displacement with reduction and arthralgia are the most common TMDs, and the presence of TMDs does not seem to affect anxiety state levels in this population.

Patterns and Correlates of New Drug Initiation among Female Exotic Dancers: The Contribution of Occupational and Structural Risks.

Introduction: Exotic dance clubs (EDCs) can play pivotal roles in the production of drug-related risks for female exotic dancers (FED). We aimed to characterize the structural and occupational factors associated with new drug initiation post-EDC entry among new FED (N = 117) in Baltimore, Maryland. Materials and Methods: Logistic regression models tested the associations of new drug uptake, measured as initiating any illicit drug (including non-prescribed and diverted prescription narcotics) not used prior to EDC employment, with structural (e.g. debt sources, housing instability) and occupational (e.g. sex work, dancing as sole income source) vulnerabilities. Results: Most FED were younger than 24 years-old (60%), identified as Black/African American (61%), and did not complete high school (56%). Twenty-nine (25%) reported using any new drug post-EDC entry, with cocaine (34%) cited most frequently among newly initiated substances. In multivariable analysis, drug initiation was significantly associated with cumulative debt sources (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.82, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.19-2.77), dancing as only income source (AOR = 4.21, CI: 1.29-13.71), and sex work (AOR = 9.26, CI: 2.74-31.32). Conclusions: Our findings implicate co-occurring structural and occupational factors in FED's initiation of illicit drugs proceeding EDC employment. Results demonstrate the coping role of drug use for FED in stressful working environments and the multiple vulnerabilities associated with illicit drug uptake. The study reinforces a need for harm reduction interventions (i.e. debt relief, employment connections, increased hourly pay) that consider the contribution of overlapping financial insecurities to the production of occupational risks motivating drug uptake.

Prevalence of pole dance injuries from a global online survey.

BACKGROUND: Pole dancing is a physically demanding sport which combines acrobatics and aerial stunts which could potentially lead to be severely debilitating injuries. However, there is a paucity of medical research data on the injuries that can be sustained. The objective of this study aimed to determine the prevalence of pole injuries, the severity of injuries that can be sustained from this activity, and to help to determine safety protocols. The results will also aid physiotherapists in prescribing exercises when treating pole dancers. METHODS: Cross sectional data was collected from an online web-based survey via social media platforms over 2 weeks in March in 2019. RESULTS: The most commonly reported injuries were shoulder related (54.5%) injuries, wrist (34.2%) and back (24.7%) injuries. 75.5% of injuries were acutely sustained. Pole dancers who were 40 and above were 3.7 times more likely (95% CI: 1.14 to 11.76, P=0.030) to need more than 3 months to recover from their pole injuries than those who were aged from 19 to 29 years. Participants with 3 to 6 years of pole sport experience were at 3.9 times (95% CI: 1.24, 12.39, P=0.020) higher risk for moderate/severe injuries, than those who had less experience. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the most common injuries are sustained in the shoulder and wrist. We also found a relation with age and experience. More studies on this sport is needed to create injury prevention programs and safety protocols.

Epidemiology of Injuries in West End Performers.

Epidemiological studies in the performing arts are scarce, and only one such study in the last 20 years directly examined West End productions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of injuries sustained by West End performers over a 12-month period (2016 to 2017). Injury data were self-reported retrospectively by West End performers using an online injury surveillance questionnaire. The information collected covered participant characteristics, injury location, diagnosis, severity, mechanism of injury, and external risk factors. Simple proportions were calculated for injury location and type. Categorical data were assessed using chi-squared (p = 0.05) and magnitude-based inferences described between-group differences. Forty-seven performers responded (26 male, 21 female), with 65% suffering at least one injury in the previous year. The lower limb accounted for 50% of injuries, and muscle strains were the diagnosis in 37% of cases. Males sustained 53% of all injuries, but no differences were found between sexes in locations injured (χ² = 2.296, p = 0.513). Seventy-two percent of injuries were said to have occurred during performance, with one-third of the total injuries having a gradual onset. Little or no time was lost in the majority of cases.

Injury Patterns in Hip Hop Dancers.

Hip hop dance is becoming increasingly popular. It is performed in a variety of environments and can be fused with other dance styles. There is limited research on this dance demographic. The object of this study was to record and assess the injury patterns and diagnoses of hip hop dancers who presented to a dancer injury clinic at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) in London over a 5-year period. Of the 800 patients who attended the clinic, 73 (28 males, 45 females) identified themselves as hip hop dancers. The mean age of these dancers was 26.1 years (± 6.59 years). The majority were professionals (49%) and the next largest group was students (31.5%). The most common site of injury was the knee (36%), followed by the lumbar spine (19%) and the foot and ankle (15%). The site of injury appeared to be influenced by the sub-style of hip hop the dancer performed. There were gender differences in knee injuries; male dancers predominantly sustained meniscal injuries (45%) and female dancers primarily sustained patellofemoral pain (60%). All lumbar disc injuries were at the L5/S1 level. These results are comparable to those of previous studies investigating injury in hip hop dancers. More research is needed to explore injury etiology, develop injury prevention measures, and increase awareness of the injury complexities in this dance population.

Ballet and Contemporary Dance Injuries When Transitioning to Full-Time Training or Professional Level Dance: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review examines the relationship between injury and two stages of a dancer's career development: when transitioning to full-time training and to a professional dance company. The findings are discussed in relation to managing transitioning loads with regard to injury prevention. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Performing Arts Periodicals Database) were searched from inception to July 2018, inclusive of English language peer reviewed studies investigating injury in pre-professional and professional ballet and contemporary dancers. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. "Limited" evidence revealed that dancers transitioning to professional ballet had a significantly higher rate of time-loss injuries per exposure hour relative to established professionals, whereas transitioning professional contemporary dancers had a significantly lower rate of both medical-attention and time-loss injuries. "Limited" evidence also showed a decreased rate and trend toward lower prevalence rates for time-loss injuries per exposure hour for transitioning ballet students and an increased rate of medical-attention injury in a combined cohort of transitioning ballet and contemporary dance students. Thus, this review provides some evidence that injuries tend to occur as dancers are transitioning to full-time ballet or contemporary dance training or to professional careers.

A Retrospective Study Investigating Injury Incidence and Factors Associated with Injury Among Belly Dancers.

Belly dance is an appreciably under researched dance form. As such, little is known of the injury prevalence and risk factors for injury among this dance population. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to examine the most common injury sites and to identify potential factors associated with injury risk within the belly dance community of New Zealand over a 12-month retrospective period. Dancers who had practiced or performed belly dance during that time span were surveyed using an online or paper-based questionnaire. One hundred and nine injury questionnaires (all from female dancers) qualified for the final analysis. The participants had a median age of 44.3 years and danced a median of 3.0 hours per week. The injury rate was 37% (40 injuries in 109 dancers surveyed), the injury incidence proportion was 24.8% (27 dancers reporting at least one injury), and the per hour injury incidence rate was 1.69 per 1,000 dance hours. Of the two most recently sustained injuries reported, lower limb injuries were the most common, followed by trunk injuries. Age, total dance hours per week, and participation in a non-dance exercise regimen of any kind were associated with a decreased risk of injury; performing regularly was associated with an increased injury rate. It is concluded that an understanding of the incidence and sites of injuries may help create awareness that belly dance can be injurious, and subsequently lead to the development of future interventions.

Injury Occurrence and Return to Dance in Professional Ballet: Prospective Analysis of Specific Correlates.

Professional ballet is a highly challenging art, but studies have rarely examined factors associated with injury status in ballet professionals. This study aimed to prospectively examine gender-specific correlates of injury occurrence and time-off from injury in professional ballet dancers over a one-year period. The participants were 99 professional ballet dancers (41 males and 58 females). Variables included: (i) predictors: sociodemographic data (age, educational status), ballet-related factors (i.e., experience in ballet, ballet status), cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and consumption of illicit drugs; and (ii) outcomes: injury occurrence and time-off from injury. Participants were questioned on predictors at the beginning of the season, while data on outcomes were collected continuously once per month over the study period. Dancers reported total of 196 injuries (1.9 injuries (95% CI: 1.6⁻2.3) per dancer in average), corresponding to 1.4 injuries per 1000 dance-hours (95% CI: 1.1⁻1.7). In females, cigarette smoking was a predictor of injury occurrence in females (OR: 4.33, 95% CI: 1.05⁻17.85). Alcohol drinking was a risk factor for absence from dance in females (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01⁻4.21) and males (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05⁻3.41). Less experienced dancers were more absent from dance as a result of injury than their more experienced peers (Mann-Whitney Z: 2.02, p < 0.04). Ballet dancers and their managers should be aware of the findings of this study to make informed decisions on their behavior (dancers) or to initiate specific programs aimed at the prevention of substance use and misuse in this profession (managers).

Personal and Social Environmental Correlates of Square Dancing Habits in Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living in Communities.

This study aimed to examine personal and social environmental correlates of the physical activity habit of middle-aged and older adults, using Chinese square dancing as a natural exploratory example. Participants were 385 adults aged ≥45 years (93% female), who habitually danced on squares or parks of three old districts of Guangzhou. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify personal, social, psychological, and behavioral correlates of multiyear dance. Old age, high education, sufficient leisure time, and stable social environmental factors were associated with persistent dancing, whereby education (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [1.05, 2.57]) and social engagement (RRR = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [1.05, 2.63]) showed the largest effects. Participants dancing ≤1 year were least satisfied with their social relationships than their counterparts dancing 1-5 years (RRR = 0.68) or over 5 years (RRR = 0.58). Physical activity promotion for older adults should adapt from culturally appropriate group activities and leverage community social resources to encourage voluntary participation, particularly for low-educated older women.

Self-Reported Exercise Trends in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in type, frequency, and effectiveness of different modes of exercise in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to improve symptoms in PD patients. Recent studies suggest that dance may be a particularly helpful exercise option. However, it remains unclear how the benefits of various forms of exercise compare to dance and to each other. Information on these trends can help inform future exercise programs for PD patients. METHOD: 55 PD patients completed a survey on their exercise frequency, the impact of exercise on their symptoms, and whether they exercise alone or in groups. 9 PD patients who attend dance therapy classes completed an extended survey with additional questions comparing the benefit of dance therapy to traditional forms of exercise. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients surveyed, 67% of patients exercised at least twice a week for at least 30 minutes at a time, and 28% of patients exercised alone only. Walking was most commonly reported (77%), followed by stretching (52%), and weights (28%). 97% of patients who exercised noted mitigation of their PD symptoms. Additionally, a significantly greater percentage of patients who exercised in groups reported symptomatic improvements compared to patients who only exercised alone (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: More patients who participated in group exercise reported symptomatic improvement compared to those who exercised strictly alone. This suggests that the psychosocial and cognitive component of group therapy, such as dance, may confer additional benefits to PD patients.

Evaluation of Contralateral Suppression of Otoacoustic Emissions in Bharatanatyam Dancers and Non-Dancers.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited literature regarding the objective estimation of auditory attention in healthy individuals who regularly practice dance. This study attempted to evaluate the contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) in Bharatanatyam dancers and non-dancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included40 adults (20 dancers and 20 non-dancers) with normal hearing. The differences in the contralateral suppression of distortion product OAE between the groups were compared. RESULTS: The results of the present study revealed that there was an increased amount of suppression of OAE in dancers compared with non-dancers. It suggests that dance practice enhances sensory perception and improves auditory attention. The constant practice of dance could have led to plasticity of the efferent auditory system. CONCLUSION: Thus, dance training may be used to strengthen efferent auditory system functioning. However, further studies witha larger sample size are essential for better generalization of the results.

Predictors of weight status in school-aged children: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To prospectively investigate the predictors of overweight/obesity and of body mass index (BMI) change in schoolchildren. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A cohort of 2755 Irish children (53.7% girls), aged 6-10 years at baseline, participating in the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative were included. Height and weight were objectively measured and BMI was calculated. Overweight/obesity were defined according to the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs. Prevalence of overweight/obesity at baseline and follow-up, incidence of overweight/obesity and changes in BMI over time were computed. Lifestyle indicators were parentally reported with a questionnaire. Predictors of overweight/obesity were investigated by multivariate mixed logistic regression models. RESULTS: Baseline BMI (OR = 6.46, 95% CI = 4.56-9.17) and school socioeconomic level (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.16-3.86) were associated with higher risk of becoming overweight/obese. Children with no savoury snacks consumption (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.07-0.69), or with frequent sports/dancing clubs attendance (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.19-0.88) had lower odds of overweight/obesity at follow-up. Poor fruit intake was associated with higher risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.23-3.78). CONCLUSIONS: Initial BMI was the main predictor of subsequent overweight/obesity in schoolchildren, followed, to a lesser extent, by school socioeconomic status. Although lifestyle behaviours appeared to have lower effect as compared with prior BMI, children with healthier lifestyle behaviours were at reduced risk of overweight/obesity at follow-up. Programmes that aim at preventing the onset of overweight and obesity need to be a priority given the existing difficulties to reverse this condition later in life.

Contraceptive utilization among new exotic dancers: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Female exotic dancers are a population at high risk of unintended pregnancy. The objective of this study is to describe the reproductive health needs and contraceptive utilization of exotic dancers. METHODS: New exotic dancers (< 6 months dancing) from 26 clubs in Baltimore City/County completed a one-time survey. RESULTS: Of 117 participants, 96 (82%) had current contraceptive need. The mean age was 24 years, and 55% were black. Sex work (45%), alcohol use disorder (73%), illicit (44%; e.g., heroin, crack, cocaine), and injection drug use (8%) were common. The majority (66%) reported contraception use in the prior 6 months. Condoms were reported by 46% whereas 45% reported non-barrier methods, most commonly hormonal injection. Consistent condom use was rare (3%), and only 11% used a long-acting reversible method. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their unique reproductive health vulnerabilities, female exotic dancers have unmet contraceptive needs. Targeted harm reduction strategies are needed to fill this gap.

Temporal trends in dancing among adults between 1994 and 2012: The Health Survey for England.

The benefits of physical activity are established, however, increasing population physical activity levels remains a challenge. Participating in activities that are enjoyable and multidimensional, such as dancing, are associated with better adherence. However, the extent to which the general population participates in dancing and its temporal trends has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal trends and patterns and correlates of dance participation in England from 1994 to 2012 using a series of large nationally representative surveys. We used data from the Health Survey for England 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2012 to examine dance temporal trends. Temporal trends data were age-standardized and correlates of dance participation were examined for males and females over each study year. Changes in population prevalence of dance participation were determined using multiple logistical regression with 1997 as the reference year. Of all survey participants (n=98,178) 7.8% (95%CI: 7.63-7.96) reported dance participation. There was a marked steady decrease over time, with the steepest decline from 2003 onwards. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for dance participation were 0.51 for males (95%CI 0.408-0.630, p<0.001) and 0.69 for females (95%CI: 0.598-0.973, p<0.001) in 2012 compared to 1997. Dance participation in adults in England has decreased markedly over time. This study suggests that dance is not being adequately utilized as a health enhancing physical activity, and therefore further research and resources should be dedicated to supporting dance in the community.

Polysubstance use profiles among electronic dance music party attendees in New York City and their relation to use of new psychoactive substances.

BACKGROUND: Electronic Dance Music (EDM) party attendees are often polysubstance users and are at high risk for use of new psychoactive substances (NPS). We sought to identify patterns of use of common illegal drugs among EDM party attendees, sociodemographic correlates, and use of NPS as a function of patterns of use of more common drugs to inform prevention and harm reduction. METHOD: Using time-space-sampling, 1045 individuals aged 18-40 were surveyed entering EDM parties in New York City. We queried past-year use of common illegal drugs and 98 NPS. We conducted latent class analysis to identify polysubstance use profiles of use of eight common drugs (i.e., ecstasy, ketamine, LSD, mushrooms, powder cocaine, marijuana, amphetamine, benzodiazepines). Relationships between drug classification membership and sociodemographics and use of drugs within six NPS categories were examined. RESULTS: We identified four profiles of use of common drugs: non-polysubstance use (61.1%), extensive polysubstance use (19.2%), moderate polysubstance use/stimulants (12.8%), and moderate polysubstance use/psychedelics (6.7%). Those in the moderate/psychedelic group were at higher odds of using NPS with psychedelic-type effects (2C, tryptamines, and other "new" psychedelics; Ps<0.05). Extensive polysubstance users were at increased odds of reporting use of 2C drugs, synthetic cathinones ("bath salts"), tryptamines, other new (non-phenethylamine) psychedelics, new dissociatives, and synthetic cannabinoids (Ps<0.05). CONCLUSION: NPS preference is linked to the profile of use of common drugs among individuals in the EDM scene. Most participants were identified as non-polysubstance users, but findings may help inform preventive and harm reduction interventions among those at risk in this scene.

Emergency Department Patient Burden from an Electronic Dance Music Festival.

BACKGROUND: Electronic dance music (EDM) festivals are increasingly common and psychoactive substance use is prevalent. Although prehospital care can obviate the transfer of many attendees to health care facilities (HCFs), little is known regarding the emergency department (ED) burden of patients presenting from EDM festivals. OBJECTIVES: This study describes the patient volume, length of stay (LOS), and presenting complaints of patients from a 3-day EDM festival in close proximity to an area ED. METHODS: Medical charts of patients presenting to one HCF from an EDM festival were reviewed for substances used, ED LOS, and sedative medications administered. Additionally, preparedness techniques are described. RESULTS: Over the 3-day festival, 28 patients presented to the ED (median age 21 years; range 18-29 years). Twenty-five had complaints related to substance use including ethanol (n = 18), "molly" or "ecstasy" (n = 13), and marijuana (n = 8). Three patients required intensive care or step-down unit admission for endotracheal intubation, rhabdomyolysis, and protracted altered mental status. The median LOS for discharged patients was 265 min (interquartile range 210-347 min). Eleven patients required the use of sedative medications, with cumulative doses of 42 mg of lorazepam and 350 mg of ketamine. All patients presented within the hours of 5:00 pm and 2:15 am. CONCLUSION: The majority of ED visits from an EDM festival were related to substance use. ED arrival times clustered during the evening and were associated with prolonged LOS. Few patients required hospital admission, but admitted patients required high levels of care. HCFs should use these data as a guide in planning for future events.