Abstract
The cervical spine of breakdancers is at great risk due to reversed body loading during
headspin manoeuvers. This study focused on the cervical biomechanics of breakdancers
and a correlation with neck pain. A standardized interview and biomechanical testing
of the cervical spine of 25 participants with “headspin” ability ages 16–34 years
and an age-matched cohort of 25 participants without any cervical spine problems was
conducted. Neck pain history, Neck Disability Index (NDI), cervical range of motion
(CROM) and cervical torque were recorded. The “headspin” group reported significantly
better subjective fitness, more cervical complaints, higher pain intensity, a longer
history of neck pain and a worse NDI compared to the “normal” collective. The “headspin”
group showed a 2–2.5 times higher rate of neck pain than the normal population, with
increased cervical flexion (p<0.05) and increased cervical torque in all planes (p<0.001).
The CROM showed a negative moderate to strong correlation with NDI, pain intensity
and history of neck pain. Sports medicine practitioners should be aware of headspin
maneuver accidents that pose the risk of fractures, dislocations and spinal cord injuries
of breakdancers.
Key words
breakdance - spine - torque - CROM - power move