Abstract
BackgroundThe specific research aims of this study included: 1) Conduct an epidemiologic analysis of recreational sports injuries among 1500 children, ages 5–11 in Florida: and 2) Utilize the computerized pediatric concussion tool from ImPACT Applications, Inc. for baseline and follow-up testing to better understand these injuries. This research followed a prospective surveillance design utilizing a large cohort of children, ages, 5–11, who play recreational football, soccer, and baseball/softball in Florida. The study venue was a large athletic facility in Hillsborough County, Florida. The sports observed were soccer (girls’ and boys’), baseball, softball, and football. Internal and external advisory boards were consulted throughout the study.MethodsCertified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) were hired to use High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) for injuries and the Ipad-administered pediatric concussion tool developed by ImPACT Applications, Inc for baseline/follow-up concussion data.ResultsOver the course of the project, 26 RIO-reported injuries were reported. Football and soccer produced the greatest rate of injuries. There were 12 concussions which comprised nearly half of all the RIO injuries (46%). We conducted 882 baseline concussion tests and 13 follow-up tests over the 2 years.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first time data have been collected and reported on sports injuries in the study population. Future studies built on these findings will allow for the development of targeted guidelines and interventions for coaches, players, and parents so sports injury-related morbidity and mortality decrease in our youngest athletes.
Highlights
Injuries related to sports and recreation are a substantial public health problem [1]
Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) were hired to use High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) for injuries and the Ipad-administered pediatric concussion tool developed by ImPACT Applications, Inc for baseline/follow-up concussion data
Based on the National Health Interview Survey findings for individuals 5 years of age and older from years-2011-2014, sports and recreational injury rates were higher among males, children aged 5–14 years, and non-Hispanic white persons than for their counterparts [2]
Summary
Injuries related to sports and recreation are a substantial public health problem [1]. General exercise was the most frequently mentioned activity associated with sports- and recreation-related injuries, but types of activities varied across sex and age groups. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that recreational activities, including sports, account for about 3.2 million visits to emergency rooms each year for children aged 5–14 years [3]. Injuries from organized and unorganized sports produce 775,000 emergency department visits annually for children in this same age group. Sports-related injuries are the leading cause of emergency department visits in 12-17-year-olds [3]
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