Sports Sciences Commons^™

Assessment Of Balance In Collegiate Cheerleaders: Is Implementing A Balance Training Program A Good Idea?, Caitlin Carroll

Bridges: A Journal of Student Research

Due to the nature of the activity, competitive cheerleaders are susceptible to falls, which can lead to injury. However, cheerleaders that get put into the air ("flyers"), may have better balance ability as compared to those that hold or support flyers ("bases"). However, no previous research could be located comparing balance ability and fall risk between these positions. The purpose of this study was to assess balance ability and fall risk in female, collegiate cheerleaders. It was found that within the past year, 63.6% of cheerleaders experienced a fall, while 45% reported lower extremity injuries due to participation in their …