Breaking Down Cheer: Unveiling Common Injuries Among Adult Allstar Cheerleading Athletes in the United Kingdom

Weaver, Kristian and Dyke, Ella (2026) Breaking Down Cheer: Unveiling Common Injuries Among Adult Allstar Cheerleading Athletes in the United Kingdom. Wrexham Nexus: Journal of Research, 1 (1). pp. 88-109. ISSN ISSN 2977-6333 (Print) ISSN 2977-6341(Online)

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Abstract

The physical demands and participation of Allstar cheerleading have increased over the last two decades and so has the risk of injury. However, little is known about injury epidemiology in adult Allstar cheerleaders within the United Kingdom. The purpose of this study was to identify the most common injury site, mechanism, and positions susceptible to injury among adult Allstar cheerleading athletes in the United Kingdom and explore common treatment and management. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire distributed to adult cheerleaders in the United Kingdom. Data collected included demographics, training history, injury characteristics, and treatment and management with frequency analysis performed. A total of 130 cheerleaders participated. The most common injury site was head/face (15.99%). Basing/stunting was the most common mechanism of injury (28.03%), with main bases and tumblers reporting the highest median injury rates (~4). Cheerleaders were mostly advised on complete rest from training (63.39%) and the use of ice application for treatment (23.14%). Upper limb injuries were more common than lower limb injuries among adult Allstar cheerleaders, with a large number to the head/face, which differs to the current literature. Further research is needed to help healthcare professionals develop specific injury prevention programs and explore sex differences.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Allstar, Injuries, Epidemiology, Cheerleading
Divisions:	Social and Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Emma Harrison
Date Deposited:	27 May 2026 08:53
Last Modified:	27 May 2026 08:53
URI:	https://wrexham.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18450

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