A retrospective study of gymnastics injuries to competitors and noncompetitors in private clubs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the number and types of injuries which occur to competitive and noncompetitive gymnasts in private clubs. Secondary purposes were to determine which events were most hazardous, and whether or not the ratio between participant and instructor, the availability of safety equipment, and the conditioning programs used affected the injury rate. The data show that gymnastics has a high injury rate for competitors, but a low injury rate for noncompetitors. The level of competition seems to be the most important factor related to rate of injury.