Dr. Koutures Publishes on Dancers and Concussion in Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Dancers are “artistic athletes.” They must possess the strength, agility, power and flexibility of any athlete and perform with perfect musicality and emotion, demonstrating the artistry of the dance. As an art form dance continues to push the physical boundaries of the human body, increasing the inherent risks to the dancers. Most injuries are readily acknowledged as a possible outcome of being a performing artist; however, the possibility of a concussion continues to receive little attention by leaders involved in dance education. The majority of dance and physical education instructors continue to be oblivious to the prevalence, diagnostic procedures, symptoms and appropriate reintegration into the dance environment after a concussion. Adapting the existing knowledge regarding concussion and sports, this article provides fundamental information to support the recovery and return to performance of a dancer with a concussion.

Click here to read the remainder of this important article to learn about:

• Evaluation of concussion symptoms and severity
• Treatment protocols for dancers
• Dancer reintegration after concussion