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Nagano Y, Sasaki S, Higashihara A, Oyama T. Early sports specialization in Japanese young soccer players and related factors. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302339. [PMID: 39208310 PMCID: PMC11361665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Although understanding the status of sports participation is essential for preventing injuries in young athletes, the level of specialization and relevant information in Japan is unknown. This study aimed to clarify the status of sports specialization and examine the relationships between specialization and training status in Japanese young soccer players. Four hundred Japanese young male soccer players were included. The players' parents completed a web questionnaire that consisted of three-point questions regarding specialization and training status (year, days of playing soccer, age when starting soccer). The level of specialization and accompanying information were calculated, and data were compared by specialization status. Of the participants, 53.8% demonstrated a high level of specialization. In addition, 74.5% considered soccer more important than other sports, 89.0% trained in soccer for more than 8 months of the year, and 74.0% had quit other sports to focus on soccer or played only soccer. The proportion of participants who played only soccer was significantly higher in the high-specialization group (37.6%) than in the moderate-specialization (22.5%; P < .01) and low-specialization (7.1%; P < .01) groups. By specialization status at grades 4 to 6 (9-12 years), 40.3% of participants demonstrated a high level of specialization. Young Japanese soccer players tend toward early specialization. Factors contributing to the high specialization level are being active throughout the year and rarely playing other sports. Training volume should be controlled, and an environment allowing young soccer players to participate in other sports simultaneously is needed, with early specialization being avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuharu Nagano
- Department of Sports and Health Science, Japan Women’s College of Physical Education, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Sasaki
- Department of Competitive Sports, School of Physical Education, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ayako Higashihara
- Institute of Physical Education, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Oyama
- Faculty of Economics, Teikyo University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
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Strosser S. Youth Sport Specialization and Risk of Injury: A General Review. Clin J Sport Med 2023; 33:652-657. [PMID: 37104869 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this literature review was to analyze, understand, and disclose prior empirical findings about the injury risks associated with youth sport specialization. DATA SOURCES Articles were included in this review if they examined the association between youth sport specialization status and injury. Nine articles from 5 journals met these criteria. All articles summarized the findings of cross-sectional (N = 5) or cohort studies (N = 4). MAIN RESULTS Each article included in this review indicated that specialized youth athletes are more susceptible to injury. Only 5 studies assessed the injury risks linked to specialization independent of sport training volume. These studies produced contradictory results. CONCLUSIONS Although specialized youth athletes are more prone to injury, future research is needed to determine the independent and inherent injury risk associated with specialization. Nevertheless, youth athletes should refrain from specialization until at least adolescence.
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Kearney PE, Sherwin I, O’Brien W, Nevill AM, Ng K. Higher Family Affluence is Associated With Multi-Sport Participation Among Irish Youth. Percept Mot Skills 2023; 130:1869-1888. [PMID: 37366222 PMCID: PMC10552351 DOI: 10.1177/00315125231185653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The impact of early single sport participation among young people has received much attention, with both sport leaders and pediatricians advocating multi-sport participation at least until early adolescence. In this study we explored the association between family socioeconomic status and level of Irish youth specialization in sport. We relied on data from the Children's Sport Participation and Physical Activity (CSPPA) study, involving a representative sample of 3499 Irish children and adolescents aged 10-15 years. We analyzed data from questions related to the number of sports played, the number of days per week the youth were engaged in sport, and family affluence (as a proxy measure for socioeconomic status). Youth sport specialization before 12 years of age (males 5.7%; females 4.2%) and even between 13-15 years of age (males, 7.8%; females, 5.8%) was uncommon. However, lower levels of specialization were associated with higher socioeconomic status in that more children with high family affluence participated in multiple sports. Careful consideration should be given to whether low socioeconomic status may act as a barrier to participation in multiple sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E. Kearney
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Movement & Skill Acquisition Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ian Sherwin
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Sport and Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Wesley O’Brien
- School of Education, Sports Studies and Physical Education, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alan M. Nevill
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Faculty of Education, Health & Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Kwok Ng
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Faculty of Education, University of Turku, Rauma, Finland
- School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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Bonnette S, Riley MA, Riehm C, DiCesare C, Christy M, Wilson J, Schille A, Diekfuss JA, Kiefer AW, Jayanthi N, Myer GD. Differences in Lower Extremity Coordination Patterns as a Function of Sports Specialization. J Mot Behav 2023; 55:245-255. [PMID: 36642425 PMCID: PMC11187714 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2023.2166453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The practice of early sport specialization, defined as intense year-round training in a single sport at the exclusion of others, is increasing in youth athletics. Despite potential benefits, sport specialization may be detrimental to the health of young athletes, as specialization may increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries-particularly overuse injuries. However, there remains limited knowledge about how sports specialization uniquely alters underlying sports-related motor behavior. The purpose of this study was to compare the variability of movement patterns exhibited by highly sports specialized youth athletes to that of nonspecialized athletes during performance of a sport-specific, virtual reality based cutting task. It was hypothesized that highly specialized athletes would display different patterns of movement coordination compared to nonspecialized athletes during both the run-up phase and cut-and-decelerate phase. In support of the hypothesis, specialized athletes exhibited both intra- and inter-limb coordination that were significantly different than unspecialized athletes. Overall, the results indicate that the highly specialized athletes tended to exhibit greater degrees of coordination but also the ability to break the coordinated patterns of joint angle changes to execute a cutting maneuver, which requires asymmetric demands on the lower extremities while planting on one leg and changing direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Bonnette
- Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Michael A. Riley
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, & Nutrition Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Christopher Riehm
- Emory Sports Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
| | | | - Michele Christy
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - John Wilson
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew Schille
- Emory Sports Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
| | - Jed A. Diekfuss
- Emory Sports Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adam W. Kiefer
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Neeru Jayanthi
- Emory Sports Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gregory D. Myer
- Emory Sports Performance and Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, GA, USA
- Emory Sports Medicine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, MA, USA
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Iona T, Raimo S, Coco D, Tortella P, Masala D, Ammendolia A, Mannocci A, La Torre G. Specialization and Injury Risk in Different Youth Sports: A Bio-Emotional Social Approach. Front Psychol 2022; 13:818739. [PMID: 35369204 PMCID: PMC8966678 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.818739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Sport specialization is an actual trend in youth athletes, but it can increase injury risk. The aim was to determine the eventual correlation between sports specialization and injury risk in various sports, using a biopsychosocial approach. Methods 169 sport-specialized athletes completed [(38 female, 131 male); overall (11.2 ± 2.7 years), (56.28 ± 15.72 kg), (161.3 ± 15.52 cm)] a self-reported questionnaire regarding sociodemographic (age, gender, educational level), physical-attitudinal, injuries and psychological-attitudinal To analyze data univariate and correlate analyses were used. Results Of 169 athletes enrolled, 53% were single-sport specialized (reported participation in one sport and trained > 8 months/year). In team sports (100%, OR = 0.75; p = 0.022) a high risk of having to remain at rest for up to 1 month because of overuse was observed. Males who suffered direct trauma (70%; OR = 1.03; p = 0.006) in the team group (95%, OR = 0.09; p = 0.008) were more exposed to that type of injury, and also the type of specialization figured significantly (p = 0.047). In addition, interoceptive awareness correlates with injury (95%, 1.04, p = 0.01). This study shows that, even though young athletes seem to be at a high risk of becoming injured, early team sport specialization and a high performance level cannot be considered to be the only risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Iona
- Department of Surgical and Medicine Science, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Raimo
- Department of Surgical and Medicine Science, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniele Coco
- Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Masala
- Department of Surgical and Medicine Science, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Ammendolia
- Department of Surgical and Medicine Science, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alice Mannocci
- Faculty of Economics, Universitas Mercatorum, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Torre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Early Sport Specialization in College Athletes and the Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life: A Critically Appraised Topic. J Sport Rehabil 2022; 31:645-650. [PMID: 35193102 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical Scenario: Youth athletes may specialize in a sport of their choosing, or based on external pressures, to pursue elite status in that sport. Current evidence shows an association between highly specialized athletes and an increase in injuries as well as a connection between injury and lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Clinical Question: In college athletes, do early sport specialization characteristics (ie, age at specialization and degree of specialization) impact current HRQOL? Summary of Key Findings: The literature was searched for studies that investigated the age of specialization (early vs late) or degree of specialization (high, moderate, and low) and the impact on HRQOL. (1) The search returned 6 possible studies related to the clinical question. Three of the studies met the inclusion criteria and were used for this appraisal. (2) Two of the 3 included studies reported that highly specialized athletes noted lower HRQOL. (3) One study found there to be no significant difference in HRQOL between athletes who specialized early versus late but did find those who specialized early to have a greater incidence of injuries that required surgery. Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate evidence that early sport specialization is associated with lower HRQOL compared with late sport specialization. It is important to educate athletes, parents, and coaches on the potential detriments that are associated with early sport specialization to allow stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding participation. Strength of Recommendation: Grade B evidence exists to support the idea that early, intensive sport specialization may be associated with decreased HRQOL in current college athletes.
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Wasser JG, Tripp B, Bruner ML, Bailey DR, Leitz RS, Zaremski JL, Vincent HK. Volleyball-related injuries in adolescent female players: an initial report. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2021; 49:323-330. [PMID: 32942946 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2020.1826284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries sustained in female adolescent volleyball players. METHODS Volleyball players (n = 276; 13-18 years), with any level of volleyball experience, were recruited. Participants completed a study-specific survey about their overall sport(s) involvement, training modalities, volleyball experience (beginner, intermediate, advanced), annual volume of volleyball play, injuries accrued during volleyball, and care received for injury. RESULTS Annual volume of volleyball play was higher in advanced than beginner/intermediate players (490.0 hr/yr versus 302.3 hr/yr; p < 0.0001). Nearly 67% (188/276) of participants incurred one or more volleyball-related injuries over the last year. The ankle (40.6%), fingers (36.6%), knee (21.2%), and shoulder (15.5%) were the most frequently reported injury. Injury prevalence was higher in advanced than beginner/intermediate players (73.5% versus 62.0%; p = 0.04). Beginner/intermediate players have significantly higher odds ratio (OR) of sustaining an elbow injury than advanced players (OR 5.88; p = 0.025). 21.5% of injured players missed more than one month of play. CONCLUSION More competitive and experienced adolescent female players may incur injuries due to progressively higher volumes of play as experience and competition level increase. Players who have committed to only playing volleyball participated in greater volumes of volleyball play, which increases the odds of sustaining an injury. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Understanding injury risk factors may improve clinical management and injury prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Wasser
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Divisions of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brady Tripp
- College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michelle L Bruner
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Divisions of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel R Bailey
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Divisions of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rachel S Leitz
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Divisions of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jason L Zaremski
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Divisions of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Heather K Vincent
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Divisions of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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McGuine TA, Biese KM, Petrovska L, Hetzel SJ, Reardon CL, Kliethermes S, Bell DR, Brooks A, Watson AM. Changes in the Health of Adolescent Athletes: A Comparison of Health Measures Collected Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Athl Train 2021; 56:836-844. [PMID: 33887766 PMCID: PMC8359721 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0739.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT In spring 2020, schools closed to in-person teaching and sports were cancelled to control the transmission of COVID-19. The changes that affected the physical and mental health among young athletes during this time remain unknown. OBJECTIVE To identify changes in the health (mental health, physical activity, and quality of life) of athletes that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Sample recruited via social media. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 3243 Wisconsin adolescent athletes (age = 16.2 ± 1.2 years, 58% female) were surveyed in May 2020 (During COVID-19). Measures for this cohort were compared with previously reported data for Wisconsin adolescent athletes (n = 5231; age = 15.7 ± 1.2 years, 47% female) collected in 2016 to 2018 (PreCOVID-19). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Demographic information included sex, grade, and sport(s) played. Health assessments included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item to identify depression symptoms, the Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale to gauge physical activity, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 to evaluate health-related quality of life. Univariable comparisons of these variables between groups were conducted via t or χ2 tests. Means and 95% CIs for each group were estimated using survey-weighted analysis-of-variance models. RESULTS Compared with preCOVID-19 participants, a larger proportion of During COVID-19 participants reported moderate to severe levels of depression (9.7% versus 32.9%, P < .001). Scores of the During COVID-19 participants were 50% lower (worse) on the Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (mean [95% CI] = 12.2 [11.9, 12.5] versus 24.7 [24.5, 24.9], P < .001) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 compared with the PreCOVID-19 participants (78.4 [78.0, 78.8] versus 90.9 [90.5, 91.3], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescent athletes described increased symptoms of depression, decreased physical activity, and decreased quality of life compared with adolescent athletes in previous years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A. McGuine
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Kevin M. Biese
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Labina Petrovska
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Scott J. Hetzel
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Claudia L. Reardon
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Stephanie Kliethermes
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - David R. Bell
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Alison Brooks
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Andrew M. Watson
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Puzzitiello RN, Rizzo CF, Garvey KD, Matzkin EG, Salzler MJ. Early sports specialisation and the incidence of lower extremity injuries in youth athletes: current concepts. J ISAKOS 2021; 6:339-343. [PMID: 34230066 DOI: 10.1136/jisakos-2019-000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Year-round intensive, single-sport training beginning at an young age is an increasingly common trend in the youth athlete population. Early sport specialisation may be ineffective for long-term athletic success and contribute to an increased risk of physical injury and burn-out. The medical community has noted that repetitive movement patterns may occur in non-diversified activity and this may contribute to overuse injury in young athletes. Studies have begun to identify an association between early sport specialisation and lower extremity injuries in the youth athlete population that is independent of training volume. Recent literature has suggested that sport diversification, not specialisation, is a better path for athletic success and minimised lower extremity injury risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Coleen F Rizzo
- Orthopedics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kirsten D Garvey
- Orthopedics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Matzkin
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew J Salzler
- Orthopedics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Allahabadi S, Calthorpe L, Pandya N. Financial and medical burdens of youth sports specialization - survey of pediatric sports patients. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2021; 62:716-721. [PMID: 33768778 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.21.12304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The trend towards youth sports specialization has led to increased costs from higher injury rate and from private club fees. The objectives were to characterize the financial and medical burdens of sports specialization with single sport participation or club sports involvement. METHODS An 18-item survey on sports participation and musculoskeletal injury was administered to parents of patients visiting the clinic of a pediatric sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon over a three-month period. Comparisons were made between groups to identify differences in medical and financial burdens. Logistic regressions were performed to evaluate odds ratios for binary outcomes. RESULTS Club athletes were significantly younger than non-club athletes (12.9 ± 3.1 years versus 14.9 ± 2.8 years, p = .0002) with club athletes starting sports at average of 7.2 ± 3.1 years. Club sports participation (adjusted OR 5.88, 95% CI: 1.10, 31.4) and female sex (adjusted OR 3.47, 95% CI: 1.12, 10.74) were significant predictors of spending > $1000 USD on sports annually. Multisport participation (OR 5.72, 95% CI: 1.21, 26.96) and spending > $1000 on sports annually (OR 17.21, 95% CI: 1.49, 199.25) were significant predictors of presenting to clinic for a sports-related injury. Single sport athletes had a higher number of medical appointments for sports injuries (18.6 ± 23.0 versus 9.3 ± 10.0 for multisport, p = .0042). CONCLUSIONS Youth sports specialization is of substantial financial and medical burden to families. This data can help identify areas of intervention to mitigate injury risk and reduce financial barriers to youth sports participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Allahabadi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lucia Calthorpe
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nirav Pandya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA -
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Mosher A, Fraser-Thomas J, Baker J. What Defines Early Specialization: A Systematic Review of Literature. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:596229. [PMID: 33345176 PMCID: PMC7739675 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.596229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: While practitioners and organizations advise against early specialization, the lack of a consistent and clear definition of early specialization reduces the impact of recommendations and policies in youth sport. An important first step in understanding the consequences of early specialization is establishing what early specialization is. Objectives: This PRISMA-guided systematic review aimed to determine the types, characteristics, and general content of early specialization papers within the literature, and examine how early specialization has been defined and measured in order to advance knowledge toward a clear and consistent definition of early specialization. Data sources: Four different electronic databases were searched (SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Sports Medicine and Education Index, and Scopus). Both non data-driven and data-driven studies were included to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the literature. Eligibility Criteria: In order to be included in the review, the paper must: (a) Focus on specialization and explicitly use the term "specialization" (b) Focus on sport and athletes (c) Be papers from a peer-reviewed (d) Be in English. And finally, (e) be available in full text. Results: One thousand three hundred and seventy one articles were screened resulting in 129 articles included in the review after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results indicated a clear discrepancy between key components of early specialization and the approaches used to classify early specializers. Conclusion: Future research should work toward developing a valid and reliable approach to classifying early specializers and establishing a consistent definition across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mosher
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update information regarding practice patterns of family physicians with a certificate of added qualifications (CAQ) in Sports Medicine (SM), because it has been over 10 years since the last comprehensive study. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of 2017 and 2018 American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Family Medicine Certification and SM CAQ examination registration practice demographic questionnaire data. SETTING N/A. PARTICIPANTS Family physicians with a CAQ in SM [sports medicine family physicians (SM-FPs)] and family physicians without a CAQ registering for the ABFM Family Medicine Certification or SM CAQ examinations. INTERVENTION N/A. MAIN OUTCOMES Self-reported time spent practicing SM, activities in SM, scope of practice, and practice setting. RESULTS Sports medicine family physicians are predominately men (78.7%) and below 49 years (65.8%). Most SM-FPs spend 60% of their time or less practicing SM and the scope of practice of SM-FPs is only slightly narrower than that of their family physician counterparts without a CAQ. In addition, 92.8% of SM-FPs are practicing in an urban setting. CONCLUSIONS The similarity of scope of practice for SM-FPs and family physicians without a CAQ and the time spent practicing SM by SM-FPs suggests that most SM-FPs are spending a significant amount of time continuing to practice their primary specialty. Sports medicine family physicians are largely attracted to urban practice settings, most likely because of the higher likelihood of employment opportunities. Finally, factors that may be dissuading women from entering the field of SM deserve further investigation.
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Bell DR, DiStefano L, Pandya NK, McGuine TA. The Public Health Consequences of Sport Specialization. J Athl Train 2020; 54:1013-1020. [PMID: 31633411 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-521-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sport specialization was thought to affect a relatively small number of elite athletes, but it is now a common practice in youth sport culture. Recent research in the field of sport specialization has led to a better understanding of the influence this issue is having on youth (ie, younger than 19 years of age) today. This review focuses on sport specialization from a public health perspective to elucidate the effect that this practice is having within the United States. The specific goals of this review are to describe (1) the prevalence of sport specialization and the factors that may affect the decision to specialize, (2) the costs of youth sport-related injuries in the context of sport specialization, (3) the financial costs that sport specialization has for families, and (4) how sport specialization may be affecting physical literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Bell
- Department of Kinesiology and Wisconsin Injury in Sport Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Lindsay DiStefano
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington
| | - Nirav K Pandya
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Timothy A McGuine
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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14
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Jayanthi NA, Post EG, Laury TC, Fabricant PD. Health Consequences of Youth Sport Specialization. J Athl Train 2020; 54:1040-1049. [PMID: 31633420 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-380-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sport specialization is a training method now commonly used by young athletes who hope to achieve elite-level success. This may be defined as (1) choosing a main sport, (2) quitting all other sports to focus on 1 sport, and (3) year-round training (greater than 8 months per year). A number of sports medicine organizations have published recommendations based on the limited evidence available on this topic. The objective of this article was to perform a narrative review of the currently available evidence and sports medicine organizational recommendations regarding sport specialization and its effects on health to guide athletic trainers and sports medicine providers. To accomplish this goal, we conducted a narrative review of articles and position statements on sport specialization published from 1990 through 2018. Injury, overuse injury, serious overuse injury, and lower extremity injury were likely associated with higher degrees of sport specialization in various populations. Sports medicine organizations in general recommended against sport specialization in young athletes and instead promoted multisport participation for physical and psychological benefits. Few long-term data suggest that sport specialization has negative health-related quality-of-life consequences. Higher degrees of sport specialization likely pose risks of overuse injury; however, the age of specialization at which this risk occurs is not known. Because different populations and sports activities may put children at risk for certain injuries, future researchers should monitor large populations with sport-specific prospective active surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeru A Jayanthi
- Emory Sports Medicine Center.,Department of Orthopedics, Department of Family Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Eric G Post
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, CA
| | | | - Peter D Fabricant
- Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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Post EG, Rosenthal MD, Rauh MJ. Attitudes and Beliefs towards Sport Specialization, College Scholarships, and Financial Investment among High School Baseball Parents. Sports (Basel) 2019; 7:sports7120247. [PMID: 31835455 PMCID: PMC6955882 DOI: 10.3390/sports7120247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent athletes are increasingly encouraged to specialize in a single sport year-round in an effort to receive a college scholarship. For collegiate baseball, only 11.7 scholarships are available for a 35-player team. The beliefs of the parents of baseball athletes towards sport specialization are unknown, along with whether they have an accurate understanding of college baseball scholarship availability. The parents of high school baseball athletes were recruited to complete an anonymous questionnaire that consisted of (1) parent and child demographics, (2) child baseball participation information, and (3) parent attitudes and beliefs regarding sport specialization and college baseball scholarships. One hundred and fifty-five parents participated in the questionnaire (female: 52.9%, age: 49.4 ± 5.5 years old). The parents spent a median of 3000 USD [Interquartile Range (IQR): 1500–6000] on their child’s baseball participation. Most parents believed that specialization increased their child’s chances of getting better at baseball (N = 121, 79.6%). The parents underestimated the number of college baseball scholarships available per team (median [IQR]: 5 [0–5]), but 55 parents (35.9%) believed it was likely that their child would receive a college baseball scholarship. Despite having a realistic understanding of the limited college scholarships available, the parents were optimistic that their child would receive a baseball scholarship.
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Are Hip Physical Examination Findings Predictive of Future Lower-Body Injury Rates in Elite Adolescent Female Soccer Athletes at Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up? J Sport Rehabil 2019; 29:476-482. [PMID: 31034343 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2018-0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although elite adolescent female soccer athletes have unique injury risk factors and management challenges, limited epidemiological data exist for this population. OBJECTIVE To describe lower-body injury patterns and to determine whether a screening hip physical examination is predictive of future injuries in elite adolescent female soccer athletes. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING One US premier soccer club. PARTICIPANTS One hundred seventy-seven female soccer athletes aged 10-18 years (mean [SD] 14.6 [1.8] y) completed a demographic questionnaire and screening hip physical examination that included range of motion and provocative tests. INTERVENTIONS At least 5 years after baseline screening, athletes completed an electronic follow-up injury survey. Injury was defined as pain that interfered with sporting activity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In addition to descriptive analyses of athletes' injury profiles, associations between players' baseline demographics and subsequent injury profiles were evaluated using chi-square tests, and potential predictors of injury based on players' baseline hip examinations were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Ninety-four of 177 athletes (53%) were contacted for follow-up, and 88/94 (93.6%) completed the survey. With mean follow-up of 91.9 (9.3) months (range 66-108 mo), 42/88 (47.7%) reported sustaining a new lower-body injury. The low back was the most common injury region (16/42, 38.1%). Almost half of all injured athletes (20/42, 47.6%) sustained overuse injuries, and 16/42 (38.1%) had an incomplete recovery. Higher body mass index and reaching menarche were associated with sustaining an injury (P = .03 and .04, respectively). Athletes' baseline hip examinations were not predictive of their subsequent rate of lower-body, lumbopelvic, overuse, or incomplete recovery injury (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Lower-body injuries were common in elite adolescent female soccer athletes, with over one third of injured athletes reporting permanent negative impact of the injury on their playing ability. Baseline hip physical examinations were not associated with future injury rate.
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McLeod TV, Israel M, Christino MA, Chung JS, McKay SD, Lang PJ, Bell DR, Chan CM, Crepeau A, Davis E, Fletcher AL, Laniak J, McCaffrey K, Pacicca D, Riederer M, Rizzone K, Rush JK, Zaslow T. Sport Participation and Specialization Characteristics Among Pediatric Soccer Athletes. Orthop J Sports Med 2019; 7:2325967119832399. [PMID: 30944839 PMCID: PMC6437330 DOI: 10.1177/2325967119832399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Soccer is an increasingly popular sport for children and adolescents in the United States. Little is known about participation patterns related to sport specialization. Purpose: To investigate soccer participation levels and sport specialization characteristics among youth soccer athletes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Adolescent athletes aged between 12 and 18 years completed an online survey addressing participant demographics, sports and soccer participation history, and level of specialization. Descriptive analyses characterized participation, while chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests assessed the influence of specialization, sex, and grade on survey variables. Results: Overall, 83.7% of 746 respondents participated in an organized soccer league outside of school, and 37% played in multiple leagues concurrently. Nearly three-quarters of respondents trained in soccer more than 8 months of the year, with those who participated in club soccer being more likely to train more than 8 months of the year. More respondents were classified as high specialization (37.5%), followed by moderate (35.6%) and low (28.6%) specialization. No differences between sexes were noted for level of specialization or quitting other sports to specialize in soccer, but male athletes were more likely to train more than 8 months per year compared with female athletes. Respondents in older grades (9th-10th and 11th-12th grades) were more likely to be highly specialized and quit other sports to focus on soccer. No differences between grade levels were found among respondents training more than 8 months per year. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that many youth soccer athletes participated in multiple teams or leagues at the same time and trained more than 8 months of the year. Characteristics including participation on a club team, level of specialization, and male sex were associated with a greater likelihood of exceeding the 8-month training recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Israel
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Melissa A Christino
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jane S Chung
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scott D McKay
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Pamela J Lang
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David R Bell
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Charles M Chan
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allison Crepeau
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Elizabeth Davis
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Amanda L Fletcher
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jessica Laniak
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kelsie McCaffrey
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Donna Pacicca
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mark Riederer
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Katherine Rizzone
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jeremy K Rush
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tracy Zaslow
- Investigation performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Bell DR, Lang PJ, Valovich McLeod TC, McCaffrey KA, Zaslow TL, McKay SD. Sport Specialization Is Associated With Injury History in Youth Soccer Athletes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20180813-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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