Save the Cheerleader, Save the World

PHOTO:Listen, Missy!

Maybe Claire Bennet wasn’t just trying to test out her powers when she hurled herself off all those high objects. Maybe she was doing science. A series of four articles published in the latest issue of the Journal of Athletic Training delve deeper into the intricacies of injuries-sustained-while-cheerleading than I would have imagined possible. Among the findings of the 1-year research project involving 9022 astonishingly limber high school and college-aged women? The majority of cheerleading-related injuries are caused by stunts.

In other words, friends, please note for future reference that tumbling, jumping, clapping, doing splits, and dancing aren’t as dangerous as being thrown through the air by someone who then attempts to catch you again.

The study also contained the shocking revelation that the most catastrophic fall-related injuries were sustained while cheerleaders were performing on harder surfaces like grass or wood floors, rather than cushier surfaces like spring floors (which are a little like spring mattresses but less sleep-inducing) and foam floors with thick padding. And finally? The higher the fall height, the greater the risk of injury. Color me surprised!

Seriously, though. Cheerleaders, be safe out there. A report that came out last year says the menace is very real. More of you get majorly traumatized, rendered disabled, or even killed (!) by cheerleading than by any other sport. And not everyone has magical healing powers.