Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing Athletes: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Sports Injury
• Biomechanics of Throwing

Background:

• Adolescent athletes in throwing sports (baseball, cricket, etc.) experience high physical demands.
• Sport specialization is linked to increased overuse injuries in the dominant shoulder and elbow.
• Growing concerns exist regarding the long-term health of young throwing athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence-based literature on injury risk factors in adolescent throwing athletes.
• To outline recommendations from major sports organizations for injury prevention.
• To discuss conditioning, rehabilitation, and future research directions for this population.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of peer-reviewed studies and organizational guidelines.
• Focus on risk factors, injury epidemiology, and prevention strategies.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on adolescent throwing-related injuries.

Main Results:

• Sport specialization is a key risk factor for overuse injuries in adolescent throwing athletes.
• Specific recommendations exist for limiting throwing volume and intensity.
• Effective conditioning and rehabilitation programs are crucial for injury prevention.

Conclusions:

• Addressing sport specialization and overuse is critical to reduce throwing-related injuries in adolescents.
• Implementing evidence-based prevention strategies can protect young athletes' long-term health.
• Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions for this athletic group.