A Perfect Storm?: The Association of Vitamin D with Injury Incidence among Acrobatics and Tumbling Athletes

Authors

Katherine M. Lee, Baylor UniversityFollow
Andrew R. Gallucci, Baylor UniversityFollow
Jeff S. Forsse, Baylor UniversityFollow
Leticia Cherpe de Souza, Baylor UniversityFollow
Laura R. Irvin, Baylor UniversityFollow
Emily J. Boyer, Baylor UniversityFollow
Kristin H. Fant, Baylor UniversityFollow
Jeffery Heileson, Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterFollow
LesLee Funderburk, Baylor UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Acrobatics and Tumbling (A&T) is an emerging NCAA sport. Due to the novelty of the sport, limited research on injury incidence and correlates exists. Anecdotal evidence suggests that A&T presents with high injury rates. A relationship between vitamin D and bony injuries exists among athletes, but little is known about soft tissue injuries. Understanding the causes and incidence of injuries, including vitamin D, may assist athletic trainers. Methods: Forty-two A&T athletes (19.69 ± 1.199 years) completed 2 blood draws as part of routine medical care prior to and following fall training period. Results: Average vitamin D at T1 was 47.976 ± 18.874 ng/ml and T2 was 41.883 ± 18.453 ng/ml. Injury variables (i.e., incidence, mechanism) and time loss (TL) were recorded between blood draws. T-tests and ANOVAs assessed differences in injuries and TL based on serum vitamin D. Poisson and logistic regressions were utilized to assess injury and TL odds ratios based on vitamin D. Twenty-eight injuries were sustained and eleven participants suffered TL. Serum vitamin D significantly decreased an average of 6.093 ± 10.973 ng/ml (pConclusions: No significant differences in injury status or TL based on vitamin D were identified. Identifiable patterns were found in injuries sustained by participants. Serum vitamin D concentrations showed a significant decrease as volume and intensity of training increased. The significant decrease in vitamin D and high injury incidence indicates a need for further monitoring of biomarkers, such as vitamin D, in these athletes and research to determine injury prevention strategies.

Author Bio(s)

Katherine M. Lee, MA, LAT, ATC is a doctoral student in the Health, Human Performance and Recreation Department and Baylor University in Waco, TX. She is also a certified athletic trainer licensed in the state of Texas and works within Baylor Athletics.

Andrew R. Gallucci, PhD, ATC is an Associate Professor within the Masters of Athletic Training Program, a part of the Health, Human Performance and Recreation Department of Baylor University in Waco, TX.

Jeffrey S. Forsse, PhD, ACSM EP-C is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor University in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation in Waco, TX. He also serves as the Director of Research Labs.

Leticia Cherpe de Souza, MS, RD is a doctoral student at Baylor University in the Health, Human Performance and Recreation Department in Waco, TX. She is also a registered dietitian.

Laura R. Irvin, DO serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Baylor University Athletics in Waco, TX. She also serves as the primary team physician for the acrobatics and tumbling team.

Emily J. Boyer, MS, LAT, ATC is an athletic trainer within Baylor University Athletics Health and Wellness staff in Waco, TX. She has worked primarily with acrobatics and tumbling and volleyball.

Kristin H. Fant MCN, RDN is the Associate Director of Performance Nutrition within Baylor University Athletics in Waco, TX. She is a registered dietitian and serves as the team dietitian for acrobatics and tumbling.

LesLee K. Funderburk, PhD, RD is an Associate Professor of Nutrition Sciences in the Human Sciences and Design Department at Baylor University in Waco, TX. She also serves as the director of the dietetic internship program.

Recommended Citation

Lee KM, Gallucci AR, Forsse JS, Cherpe de Souza L, Irvin LR, Boyer EJ, et al. A Perfect Storm?: The Association of Vitamin D with Injury Incidence among Acrobatics and Tumbling Athletes. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Mar 22;22(2), Article 5.