| The Role of Demographic Factors and McGill Core Endurance Tests in Relation to Musculoskeletal Injuries among Adolescent Gymnasts |
| Paper ID : 1464-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
|
elahe jalali *, Aynollah Naderi, Mohammad Hossein Rezvani Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Faculty of Physical Education, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Background and Aim: Gymnastics is categorized as a high-risk sport concerning the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries. Core muscles play a fundamental role in providing trunk stability and controlling athletic movements. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of injuries among adolescent gymnasts and evaluate the efficacy of the McGill Core Endurance Tests as potential predictors of injury risk. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2024 (1403) on 273 adolescent gymnasts recruited from Mashhad, Yazd, and Shahrood. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data collection tools included a researcher-made questionnaire (covering demographic information, training history, and injury history) and the McGill Core Endurance Test battery. Data were analyzed using Independent Samples T-test, Chi-square test, and Binary Logistic Regression in SPSS version 27, with the significance level set at p<0.05. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahrood University of Technology under the ethical code IR.SHAHROODUT.REC.1403.035. Results: Overall, 13.9% of participants reported an injury, with the highest prevalence in the ankle (31.7%), wrist (19.5%), and knee (13%). The Independent Samples T-test revealed significant associations between injury occurrence and age (p=0.001), height (p=0.001), weight (p=0.001), and training history (p=0.001). Performance in the Right (p=0.02) and Left Side Plank (p=0.04) tests also showed significant associations with injury, while Trunk Flexor (p=0.40) and Trunk Extensor (p=0.60) tests did not. In the final logistic regression model, only age remained a significant independent predictor of injury (p<0.01). Conclusion: The study findings suggest that age and certain physical characteristics play a vital role in predicting sports injuries in gymnasts. Incorporating these demographic factors alongside functional performance tests, such as the Side Plank, can be utilized as an effective approach for screening and injury prevention strategies in the gymnastic population |
| Keywords |
| Athletic Injuries, Gymnastics, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Functional Performance, Adolescent |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
