This past weekend I was able to support my youngest kiddo and her competitive cheer team at the Cheersport National All-Star Cheerleading Championships in Atlanta, GA. We waded through a sea of 1400+ other teams and 30k cheerleaders from across the country. As a former D1 collegiate cheerleader and a physical therapist of over 20 years, I have a unique perspective when it comes to technique and the demands of the sport, which has led to putting this 2-part blog on cheer and some key observations.
First off let me emphasize, Cheerleading IS a sport…PERIOD. In 2024, cheerleading is a gymnastic activity, and why it is still called cheerleading is not quite clear. It is a competitive contact sport that involves all types of gymnastic stunts, pyramids, and partner stunts as well as throwing flyers high in the air and catching them (we hope). Cheerleading demands precision, athleticism, and teamwork, and it is often the highlight of many sports events and competitions. However, it is crucial to recognize that cheerleading stunts come with an inherent risk of injury. This blog post will delve into the heightened risk of injury associated with cheerleading stunts, focusing on the impact on performance and the well-being of athletes, particularly spotters and bases who are most susceptible to injury, and the common sites of re-injury.
According to the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of the Journal of Athletic Training, collegiate cheerleading accounted for 70.5% of all female catastrophic sports injuries and high school cheerleading for 65.2% of all high school female catastrophic sports injuries. Without a doubt, cheerleading is the most dangerous female sport when we look at the number of catastrophic injuries. Concussions are a significant concern in the world of cheerleading. The dynamic and acrobatic nature of stunts increases the likelihood of falls, collisions, and high-impact landings, placing athletes at risk of head injuries. Furthermore, the repetitive nature of these stunts, including jumps and dismounts, can lead to cumulative effects on the brain, making cheerleaders more susceptible to concussions.
In addition to head injuries, spotters and bases, who are responsible for lifting, tossing, and catching their teammates during stunts, are at a high risk of sustaining strain and sprain injuries. The physical demands placed on these athletes during the execution of stunts can lead to overexertion and musculoskeletal injuries, affecting their performance and overall well-being.
Moreover, the ankle, lower back, and wrist are identified as the most common sites for re-injury during cheerleading stunts. The strain placed on these areas, combined with the repetitive nature of the movements, can lead to chronic issues and a heightened risk of re-injury, ultimately impacting the athletes’ ability to perform at their best. The impact of these injuries on performance is significant. Athletes who are dealing with concussions, sprains, or strains may experience decreased agility, strength, and coordination, hindering their ability to execute stunts with precision and confidence. Furthermore, the fear of re-injury can affect athletes’ mental and emotional well-being, potentially leading to decreased performance and enjoyment of the sport.
To safeguard the well-being and performance of cheerleaders, it is essential to prioritize safety measures and injury prevention strategies:
1. Technique and Training: Coaches should ensure that athletes receive comprehensive training in proper technique and execution of stunts, emphasizing the importance of strength, flexibility, and conditioning to reduce the risk of injury.
2. Spotters and Bases: The role of spotters and bases cannot be overstated. Coaches should emphasize the need for attentive and skilled spotters to minimize the risk of falls and accidents, as well as implement strategies to reduce the physical strain on bases during stunts.
3. Injury Prevention Programs: Implementing targeted injury prevention programs focused on strengthening key muscle groups, improving flexibility, and promoting overall physical health can help reduce the likelihood of strains, sprains, and other injuries.
4. Medical Support and Physical Therapy: It is crucial to provide athletes with access to medical support and Physical Therapy to ensure proper recovery from injuries and to minimize the risk of re-injury. Self-application of KT Tape, as we will discuss in part 2 of this blog series, is not sufficient in preventing an injury much less treating an injury appropriately. If there is an ongoing issue, the athlete should have a professional evaluate them accordingly to determine the primary cause of the problem and, thus, establish a plan of care for proper healing and recovery.
While cheerleading stunts are visually stunning and captivating, they come with inherent risks that can impact the well-being and performance of athletes. By prioritizing safety, implementing injury prevention strategies, and providing comprehensive support for injured athletes, the cheerleading community can work toward creating a safer and more sustainable environment for athletes to thrive. It is essential for all stakeholders to come together to prioritize the health and safety of cheerleaders, ensuring that they can continue to participate in the sport they love while minimizing the risk of injury and re-injury.
