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In recent years there have been numerous publications in relation to dance medicine and science, investigating various aspects of dancer’s health; however, the vast majority tackle dance genres other than hip-hop, such as ballet and contemporary dance (Angioi, et al., 2012; Needham-Beck, et al., 2019). The demand for dance medicine and science research, related to hip-hop dance styles, and specifically breaking, has been growing globally, due to the physical demands of the hip-hop dance genres, as well as the popularity of these social and competitive dance styles, including the most recent inclusion of Breaking in the upcoming Olympic Games in 2024.
As previous research on hip-hop dancers suggests, they are un underserved community with high rates of injury, where injury prevention education and management are essential (Ojofeitimi, et al., 2012). Breakers, and hip-hop dancers in general, have a higher reporting of injuries than other dancers (Bronner, et al., 2015). Some self-report reasons for injuries that occur on Breakers have been insufficient warm-up and body conditioning, poor technique and fatigue (Tsiouti, and Wyon, 2021). Wearing protective gear, such as kneepads, has not yet been suggested to reduce the risk of injuries, rather it is being used after an injury occurs; more research in this field is required to provide evidence on its potential preventative effects on injuries (Kauther, et al., 2009).