Diving Into Sports Specialization: The Association of Early Specialization on Injury Rates in Youth to Young Adult Divers

Annika Lenz ^1,2, Aaron Provance ², Luke August Johnson ²

⁰Pediatric Department, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine : Official Journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine +

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June 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Early sports specialization before age 13 in youth divers is linked to fewer injuries, especially in the head, neck, shoulder, and wrist. Increased diving experience, however, correlates with higher injury rates.

Area Of Science

Sports Medicine
Diving Science
Injury Epidemiology

Background

Early sports specialization is a growing trend in youth athletics.
The relationship between early specialization and injury risk in diving is not well understood.
Youth divers face unique biomechanical stresses that may predispose them to specific injuries.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the association between early sports specialization and injury rates in youth divers.
To determine if age at specialization influences the likelihood and location of injuries.
To explore the impact of diving experience on injury occurrence.

Main Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 182 youth and collegiate divers (aged 8-25).
Participants reported their age of diving initiation, age of specialization, training hours, and injury history.
Statistical analyses adjusted for covariates such as gender and experience level.

Main Results

Divers specializing before age 13 showed significantly lower odds of shoulder and wrist injuries.
Age of specialization was not significantly associated with overall injury rates across all body parts.
Increased years of diving experience were significantly associated with injuries in all 11 assessed body parts.

Conclusions

Early specialization in diving, particularly before age 13, may offer protective effects against certain injuries.
Diving experience is a significant risk factor for injury, highlighting the need for injury prevention strategies.
Future research should differentiate between acute and overuse injuries in specialized athletes.