Show must go on: what are the available tools to assess readiness to return to dance post injury in elite dancers? A scoping review protocol.

Injury in elite (professional/competitive/collegiate) dance is commonplace and pernicious. Return-to-dance after extended time-loss injury requires careful consideration to ensure dancers are ready to safely resume practice (return to class/rehearsal/competition/performance). The available assessment tools in dance consider predominantly physical domains (eg, flexibility/balance) and refer to specific dance genres only (eg, ballet). This scoping review aims to explore biopsychosocial domains (eg, fear/confidence) identified in dance and sport literature, informing safe return to dance post injury. The scoping review will conform to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Evidence Synthesis guidelines. Nine databases (in health, medicine, kinesiology, sport and dance) will be searched for studies of return-to-dance/sport protocols, in dancers, athletes and aesthetic performers. Two independent reviewers will conduct title, abstract and full-text screening using Covidence review management software. Data charting will be completed using a modified standardised JBI extraction form. The scoping review will be disseminated to stakeholders in the world of elite dance in performance (troupes/companies), educational (academies/universities) settings and sports medicine clinicians will also be targeted in dissemination. Findings will be shared via both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications (eg, blog posts/academic publications/conference presentations). An infographic of key findings will be developed and shared on social media. This scoping review will inform a subsequent e-Delphi project involving dancers, teachers and clinicians to develop a dance-specific tool informing safe return to dance post injury. This novel tool will extend beyond currently available tools focusing on physical factors to consider holistic dancer wellness, with application across multiple dance genres.