[Risk factors in leisure sports. Early and late sequelae]

Risk factors for sports injuries result from extrinsic factors such as footgear, playing field surfaces, and crash helmets as well as intrinsic factors such as muscle imbalances, chronic injuries, and deficiencies in coordination. To prevent sports injuries, the incidence and severity of sports injuries must be identified and described. Then the mechanisms of injury and the risk factors must be determined accordingly. Only thereafter can consideration be given to measures that reduce the risk and severity of sports injuries. To be able to conclusively establish the total benefit of preventive measures, this process must be continually monitored for its efficacy.