Schultz K, Sun Worrall K, Tawa Z, Binney J, Boyle J, Abbruzzese LD. Development and Feasibility of an Adolescent Dancer Screen.
Int J Sports Phys Ther 2024;
19:301-315. [PMID:
38439778 PMCID:
PMC10909306 DOI:
10.26603/001c.92902]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
Adolescent dancers are at high risk for injuries due to the physical demands of dance training and the physiological changes that occur during adolescence. Though studies report high injury rates, there are few standardized screening tools available for adolescent dancers.
Hypothesis/Purpose
To develop and describe a standardized, feasible, evidence-based, and clinically relevant screen for adolescent dancers.
Study Design
Descriptive Epidemiology Study.
Methods
Dancers at two suburban pre-professional dance studios, in two cohorts, participated in the Columbia Adolescent Dancer Screen (CADS) that includes dance injury history, health questionnaires (EAT-26, SF-36, DFOS), aerobic capacity, range of motion, strength, balance/orthopedic special tests, and dance technique. Participants were asked to complete a weekly injury surveillance questionnaire derived from the Dance-Specific Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems for 14 weeks following the screening. Feasibility was assessed using process and content analysis in four areas: practicality, demand, implementation, and adaptation.
Results
Descriptive data were collected from 32 female dancers aged 11-17 with cohort one averaging 18.57 dance hours per week and cohort two averaging 10.6 dance hours per week. The screen was practical, able to screen seven to eight dancers per hour utilizing nine assessors and requiring a one-hour commitment from dancers. Cost and space requirements were considered and kept to a minimum while utilizing portable equipment. All screening slots were filled with all dancers agreeing to follow-up injury surveillance, indicating high demand. The screen was implemented with two cohorts with revisions to improve efficiency applied for the second cohort.
Conclusion
The CADS is a feasible screening tool for adolescent dancers that overcomes barriers by being pragmatic, evidence-based, and efficient. Screening can be implemented to obtain baseline values, inform wellness recommendations, and establish relationships with medical professionals.
Level of Evidence
Level 3b.
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