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Safety of a preadolescent basketball program.
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Youth basketball has a low overall injury rate of 7.6% in children aged 5-12. Girls experienced more injuries than boys, with most being minor contusions and sprains during games.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sports Medicine
- Youth Sports Injury Prevention
Background:
- Organized youth sports participation is increasing.
- Understanding injury patterns in preadolescent basketball is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively determine injury rates and types in a preadolescent basketball program.
- To identify risk factors associated with injuries in young basketball players.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 510 children (aged 5-12) in a youth basketball program.
- Data collection on injury incidence, type, severity, and context (practice vs. game).
Main Results:
- Overall injury rate was 7.6% (39 injuries).
- Girls had a significantly higher injury rate than boys (P < .02).
- Most common injuries: contusions (35.9%), strains/sprains (28.2%). Significant injuries (inability to play) affected 2.4%.
Conclusions:
- Organized preadolescent basketball demonstrates a low overall injury rate.
- Injuries are more common during games, particularly in the second half.
- Further research can inform targeted injury prevention strategies for this age group.