Use of the Oslo Sports Trauma and Research Centre overuse questionnaire (OSTRC-O2) to measure the prevalence, incidence and severity of musculoskeletal complaints in pre-professional dance students : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science in Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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2024
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Massey University
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Background: Dance is a demanding and athletic artform with training at the pre-professional level featuring intensive workloads. As such, dance training is associated with high risk of injury, however the extent of dance injuries is unclear. Growing evidence suggests that dancers frequently underreport injury, modify their dancing and are likely to ‘dance through’ pain. Objectives: The Oslo Sports Trauma and Research Centre Overuse Injury questionnaire (OSTRC-O2) was used to assess the extent and severity of musculoskeletal complaints among dancers in pre professional training, assessing their impact on performance, dance modifications, and pain levels. Associations between hours spent in dance training and the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, injured anatomical locations, and additional physical activity were also observed. Methods: In this cohort study, 21 students of a full-time dance-training school in New Zealand (age 17.6 years ± 1.3 years) were surveyed weekly using the online OSTRC-O2 questionnaire. Additional questions quantified the hours spent in class, rehearsals, performance and extra physical activity, and whether participants sought medical attention. The 5-week observation period included the academic term and end of year performances. Results: Total prevalence rate of musculoskeletal complaints across the five weeks was 2.0 per participant, with nearly all (95%) reporting a complaint and 30% having a substantial problem as defined in the OSTRC context. The incidence of musculoskeletal complaints was 9.5 injuries/1000 dance hours. 88% experienced some level of pain while dancing, but most (98%) continued to participate. Lower legs (38%) and feet and toes (26%) were the most reported locations of injury while less than half (45%) of participants sought medical support. There was some evidence of a positive association between the incidence of musculoskeletal complaints and dance hours with dance style, body weight and dance experience suggestive of higher odds of injury in contrast to age and height which were potentially protective. However, no variables were statistically significant. Conclusion: Among élite level pre-professional dancers, the risk of musculoskeletal complaints is high. The OSTRC-O2 questionnaire severity score can be used to monitor ongoing musculoskeletal complaints and the recovery from such complaints. Changes in the OSTRC severity score can inform dancers, teachers and medical clinicians and can be used as an outcome measure. Dancers appear to manage their musculoskeletal complaints independently and are likely to participate while in pain.