Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in Thai classical dancers

Abstract

Thai classical dance has earned recognition across the world, however, attention on the health of dancers has not been well implemented. This study aimed to report on the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in Thai classical dancers. The descriptive cross-sectional survey study was implemented. A total of 356 (amateur = 221, professional = 135) Thai classical dancers participated (male = 111 and female = 245). The questionnaire was applied to harvest the key information. The results presented that amateurs (39.84%) had a higher rate of injury than professional dancers (11.48%), and males (60.36%) had a higher rate of past injury than females (49.80%). The most common past injuries of both amateur and professional dancers were: knee (22.62%, 12.59%), ankle (12.67%, 9.63%), and foot (12.2%, 8.15%), respectively. The number of past injury sites per person was significant differences between males and females (p < 0.04). Present injury sites in both amateur and professional dancers were: knee (16.06%, 25.68%), ankle (9.84%, 9.46%), and lower back (8.29%, 9.46%), respectively. In conclusion, the lower extremity injury is commonly presented in both amateur and professional dancers. Clinicians and dance educators might use these injury results in clinic and educate Thai classical dancers for safety and prevention.