Journal CME November 2024, Epidemiology of injuries in U.S. high school track and field throwing events from 2008 to 2019-PM R - 2024 - Rhim - Epidemiology of injuries in U S high school track and field throwing events from 2008 to 2019 (1)

PM R - 2024 - Rhim - Epidemiology of injuries in U S high school track and field throwing events from 2008 to 2019 (1)

Pdf Summary

The study investigates the epidemiology of injuries in U.S. high school track and field throwing events, using data from 2008 to 2019. Researchers utilized the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System, High School RIO, to analyze injuries reported by athletic trainers from discus, shot put, and javelin events. A total of 267 injuries were documented over 5,486,279 athletic exposures, with a higher incidence during competitions than practices. Females experienced higher injury rates during practice compared to males.<br /><br />The shoulder was found to be the most frequently injured body part, followed by the ankle and knee. Muscle strains and ligament sprains were the most common injuries. Recurrent injuries often led to chronic conditions. Acute noncontact injuries and overuse were the primary injury mechanisms.<br /><br />Interestingly, about 50% of injured athletes returned to play within six days, and only 3% needed surgery. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted injury prevention strategies for female athletes and those with previous injuries. Limited surgeries and low rates of long-term injury such as stress fractures suggest many injuries can be managed non-surgically.<br /><br />The study's strengths include its specific focus on throwing events, while limitations involve potential underreporting due to the inclusion of total track and field exposures and the scope being limited to schools with NATA-affiliated athletic trainers. Further research is encouraged to develop preventive measures and enhance understanding of injury mechanisms in these athletes. <br /><br />This work was published in PM&R Journal and offers continuing medical education (CME) credits for participating practitioners, providing a resource for those looking to improve prevention and treatment strategies for high school athletes.

Keywords

epidemiology

high school track and field

throwing events

injury prevention

athletic trainers

muscle strains

ligament sprains

non-surgical management

female athletes

PM&R Journal