Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
Published on: May 26, 2020
Secondary School Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of How Youth Sport Specialization Impacts Workload
David R Bell1,2,3, Madison N Renner1,2, Mayrena I Hernandez4
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Background:
Youth sport specialization is a growing trend in youth sports and is associated with an increased risk of injuries and burnout. However, it is unknown how sport specialization is perceived to be affecting the working environment of secondary school athletic trainers (ATs). The purpose of this paper is to describe how ATs perceive youth sport specialization impacting their workload and whether they perceive it to impact patient safety.
Hypothesis:
ATs will perceive that youth sport specialization impacts their workload and could impact patient safety.
Study Design:
A sequential, explanatory mixed methods design with 2 phases: (1) cross-sectional surveys and (2) individual interviews.
Level Of Evidence:
Level 3.
Methods:
A total of 487 secondary school ATs completed the online survey (access rate, 8.4%; completion rate, 85.4%). The survey consisted of Likert questions and included sections about aspects of workload impacted by specialization, impacts on patient safety, demographics. Ten participants were selected to complete a semi-structured interview via video conference.
Results:
Approximately two-thirds of ATs perceive that sport specialization impacts their workload. (Somewhat, 38.6%; Quite a bit, 25.5%; A great deal, 5.5%) Attempts to reduce or modify patient activity and a patient's time for rehabilitation were the highest rated aspects of workload impacted by sport specialization. Approximately 30% ATs (29.9%) perceive that sport specialization impacts their workload to where it may influence patient safety (Somewhat, 21.6%; Quite a bit, 6.4%; A great deal, 1.9%). Three themes and subsequent subthemes were identified from the qualitative interviews: (1) current youth sport expectations, (2) conflict between school and club sports, and (3) AT job impacts.
Conclusion:
Secondary school ATs perceive their workload to be negatively impacted by youth sport specialization and some believe it may impact patient safety.
Clinical Relevance:
Youth sport specialization is impacting youth sport stakeholders, including ATs, in a variety of ways.
More Related Videos
07:30Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
05:48Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...