Mentor/s
Stevie Clines, PhD, ATC
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
Sport specialization is defined as intense training in one sport at the exclusion of other sports, that becomes more common in early to middle childhood. Although there can be incredible opportunities that result from early sport specialization such as increased chance of earning a college scholarship, this practice has been associated with negative physical, psychological and sociological effects. Participating in multiple sports at a young age helps increase neuromuscular control, which has been associated with a decrease in injury rates during adolescence. A search of the literature related to this topic yielded 13 studies and after review of the abstracts, 3 studies were included in this critically appraised topic. There is high quality evidence to support that sport specialization is correlated with an increased frequency of lower extremity injury (LEI) in youth athletes. All three of the studies reported conclusive evidence showing that athletes who were highly specialized in one sport demonstrated a higher rate of LEI. Grade of recommendation is level B based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy. Participation in a high sport volume, on a club team, being highly specialized, and earlier time of specialization are associated with an increased rate of LEI. It is important for young athletes to participate in multiple sports at a level that is appropriate for their stage of development to avoid injuries and other negative effects of sport specialization.
College and Major available
Athletic Training
Location
Digital Commons
Start Day/Time
4-24-2020 2:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-24-2020 4:00 PM
The Effect of Early Sport Specialization on Lower Extremity Injury Frequency on Youth Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic
Digital Commons
Sport specialization is defined as intense training in one sport at the exclusion of other sports, that becomes more common in early to middle childhood. Although there can be incredible opportunities that result from early sport specialization such as increased chance of earning a college scholarship, this practice has been associated with negative physical, psychological and sociological effects. Participating in multiple sports at a young age helps increase neuromuscular control, which has been associated with a decrease in injury rates during adolescence. A search of the literature related to this topic yielded 13 studies and after review of the abstracts, 3 studies were included in this critically appraised topic. There is high quality evidence to support that sport specialization is correlated with an increased frequency of lower extremity injury (LEI) in youth athletes. All three of the studies reported conclusive evidence showing that athletes who were highly specialized in one sport demonstrated a higher rate of LEI. Grade of recommendation is level B based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy. Participation in a high sport volume, on a club team, being highly specialized, and earlier time of specialization are associated with an increased rate of LEI. It is important for young athletes to participate in multiple sports at a level that is appropriate for their stage of development to avoid injuries and other negative effects of sport specialization.
Students' Information
Jillian Picard-Busky, Athletic Training, Class of 2020