Cheerleading injuries: A narrative review of the literature.

BACKGROUND With its increase in participation rate and complex stunts and gymnastic-like maneuvers, cheerleading injuries are on the rise. OBJECTIVE A structured narrative review of the literature was performed to discover the status of the literature on a growing yet under recognized sport. Cheerleading injuries are described in terms of distribution, etiology, and prevention. METHODS A literature search was conducted. The articles were then reviewed and included based on broad criteria set out by the author. RESULTS The search produced 87 articles related to cheerleading injuries or articles with a mention of cheerleading. A total of 26 articles were included in this review based on the inclusion criteria. The most common injury experienced by a cheerleader is an ankle ligament sprain. SUMMARY The recognition of cheerleading as a sport and a mandatory reporting database are needed along with further research for injury prevention strategies to be implemented.