Gymnastics

Abstract

Artistic gymnastics is a sport in which the foot and ankle is the most commonly injured body area. The forces on the foot and ankle are very high in this barefoot sport. Simple inversion ankle sprains are the most frequent injury but more significant sever injuries can occur. Ottawa Ankle Rules are beneficial but remember their growth plates may remain open longer than usual since there maturation may be delayed. Rehabilitation needs to be done barefooted since it is a barefoot sport. Joint play of the foot and ankle is of therapeutic benefit. Progressions of force by performing a jump program may be an asset to assisting the gymnast back to safe performance. Skills progression needs to be done in manner in which a gradual progression of forces is reintroduced after an injury. Proper use of training aids can be a significant asset for injury prevention. Open and closed chain exercises, intrinsic and extrinsic muscle strength as well as static and dynamic proprioception/kinesthetic awareness exercises are all vital for a proper injury prevention program to have the best outcome.