CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE ADOLESCENT VS. MATURE DANCER

The adolescent dancer faces unique challenges due to physical and emotional changes that occur during pubertal development. Rapid growth periods can lead to reduced strength, impaired balance, and decreased flexibility, which can alter technical ability and increase the risk of injury.

GROWTH CHANGES
Growth spurts in dancers usually occur between the ages 11-15 in girls and 13-17 in boys, and can last up to two years (IADMS 2000). As height increases, weight gain also occurs. A girl’s menstrual cycle begins during these growth phases and is essential for formation of bone. The pressure to stay thin during periods of weight gain in addition to being unaware of/ignoring nutritional needs results in an energy deficit and increases the likelihood of irregular periods (Delegate 2018).  Bones grow at a faster rate than muscles and tendons, and limbs grow at a faster rate than the trunk. This affects strength, flexibility, and balance control in dancers. These changes can make movement feel awkward and may affect your ability to perform at the level that you are used to. Don’t be discouraged, these changes are temporary!

INJURY RISKS
The injury rate increases by 35% as dancers reach ages 14-16. Body regions most commonly affected are the foot/ankle, lumbar spine, hips, and knees (Steinberg 2012, Delegate 2018).
Common injury types in adolescents:

• Epiphyseal plate injury: The epiphyseal plate is significantly weaker than the surrounding soft tissue, making it more prone to damage.
• Apophysitis: Disproportionate muscle and bone growth leads to increased stress on the tendon insertion at the bone. This results in a higher incidence of avulsion tears or apophysitis injuries (i.e., Sever’s or Osgood Schlatter).
• Tendinitis: Adolescent dancers are more prone to tendonitis secondary to the increased stress on the tendons with disproportionate growth coupled by the reduced muscular strength/joint stability.
• Stress fracture: Up to 61% of stress fractures occur during puberty. The bones experience overload due to impaired technique and reduction in muscle strength and postural control (Delegate 2018).
  

REDUCING INJURY RISK DURING GROWTH CHANGES:

1. Educate young dancers that physical changes are temporary.  
2. Set realistic goals for technical development and body type.
   
3. ​Avoid exposing young dancers to extensive stretching and overload exercises such as excessive jumping and single leg pointe work in center.
4. Focus on improving core stability, postural/balance control, and technique (Steinberg 2013).

References:
1)Education Committee (Kathryn Daniels, Chair). International Association for Dance Medicine & Science. November 2000 https://www.iadms.org/page/1    
2) Delegete, A. Health Considerations for the Adolescent Dancer. A webinar through the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries. Accessed September 23, 2018.    
3) Steinberg, N., Siev-Ner, I., Peleg, S., Dar, G., Masharawi, Y., Zeev, A., & Hershkovitz, I. (2012). Extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors associated with injuries in young dancers aged 8–16 years. Journal of sports sciences, 30(5), 485-495.
4) Steinberg, N., Siev-Ner, I., Peleg, S., Dar, G., Masharawi, Y., Zeev, A., & Hershkovitz, I. (2013). Injuries in female dancers aged 8 to 16 years. Journal of athletic training, 48(1), 118-123.