PREVENTIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY PROTOCOLS FOR WRIST, KNEE, AND ANKLE IN ACROBATIC GYMNASTS: COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN GRASSROOTS AND ELITE ATHLETES

Abstract

Acrobatic gymnastics is a sport that demands high strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control, subjecting joints such as wrists, knees, and ankles to repetitive high-impact loads, which increases the incidence of injuries and can compromise athletic performance and athletic longevity. Considering the relevance of preventive measures to minimize such risks, this study aims to analyze, through a literature review conducted between 2020 and 2025, preventive physiotherapy protocols focused on wrist, knee, and ankle injuries in acrobatic gymnasts, comparing their applicability in grassroots and elite athletes. National and international articles addressing physiotherapy interventions related to muscle strengthening, neuromuscular training, landing exercises, use of orthoses, and proprioception programs were included, with the aim of identifying effective strategies for reducing injuries. This study adopts a comparative review methodology, allowing for the observation of differences between competitive levels and highlighting gaps in the standardization and adaptation of protocols, providing support for clinical practice and the development of future recommendations in the area of ​​preventive physiotherapy applied to acrobatic gymnastics.