Epidemiology of Injuries in United States High School Track and Field Running Events From 2008 to 2019

To investigate the injury rates and patterns associated with high school track and field running events, stratified by sex and athletic exposure.

Descriptive epidemiology study.

United States high schools.

High school athletes participating in track and field running events.

Data were obtained from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System, High School Reporting Information Online, from 2008 to 2019. Data were analyzed for hurdles, sprints, and middle- and long-distance running events. Injury number, types, locations, and athlete demographics were analyzed across various track and field events.

A total of 2629 injuries occurred during 5 486 279 AEs. Injury rates standardized to AEs were higher in competition than in practice (rate ratio [RR] = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.96, 2.31). Injury rates were higher for girls in practice (RR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.41, 1.73), while boys had higher injury rates in competition (RR = 3.03, 95% CI = 2.68, 3.41). Injuries were most commonly located in the thigh (35.1%) and leg (19.8%). The most frequent injury type was muscle strain (42.2%). Recurrent injuries comprised a larger proportion of chronic injuries than new injuries (injury proportion ratio = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.28, 1.62). Sprints had the highest number of injuries (n = 1507), followed by middle and long distance (n = 712) and hurdles (n = 391). Concussions were most common in hurdles, tendonitis in middle- and long-distance running, and avulsions in sprints.

Injury types varied by event, highlighting the need for injury-prevention strategies tailored to the specific demands of each event. This study adds to the limited body of epidemiological research on track and field running injuries among high school athletes from 2008 to 2019.