Risks of intense, specialized training and growth for injury in young athletes: a clinical evaluation Journal Article


Authors: Jayanthi, N; Dugas, L; Fischer, D.; Pasulka, J; LaBella, C
Article Title: Risks of intense, specialized training and growth for injury in young athletes: a clinical evaluation
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is little data evaluating the risk for serious overuse injury in young athletes focusing on a single-sport or during growth spurts, in a clinical-based population. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sports specialization, weekly training volumes, and growth rates are associated with increased risk for injury and serious overuse injury in young athletes. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Injured young athletes ages (7-18yr) were recruited from sports medicine clinics and compared to healthy controls from primary care clinics presenting for sports physicals in 2 medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: There were 1206 participants (50.7% male) who were evaluated at baseline while longitudinal follow up data collection for up to 3 years is ongoing at time of submission. RISK FACTOR ASSESSMENT: Independent variables included hours/week of organized sports, free play, gym, sports specialization, and growth rate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Dependent variables included total injuries, acute injuries, overuse injuries, and serious overuse injuries. RESULTS: Injured athletes were older than uninjured athletes (14.1 +/-2.1 vs. 12.9 y/o +/-2.6, P2 times organized sports:free play were more likely to have a serious overuse injury (P=.001). Annual calculated growth rates did not impact injury status (4.76 vs 4.79 cm/yr,injured vs. uninjured respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Injured young athletes are older, spend more time in organized sports, and specialize. Our data support the need for counseling young specialized athletes as to the risks for overuse injury.
Journal Title: British journal of sports medicine
Volume: 48
Issue: 7
ISSN: 1473-0480; 0306-3674
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: England
Date Published: 2014
Start Page: 611
Language: eng
Notes: JID: 0432520; ppublish