The Study
When it comes to pediatric sports injuries, there are a number of assumptions that are persistently bandied about as fact. Professor Emeritus Vern Seefeldt, Robert Malina, director of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at MSU, and Peter Katzmarzyk, who at the time was a doctoral student, reviewed the literature to provide scientific documentation to support or refute 10 of the most widely held assumptions.

The Findings
Assumption 1: One-half of all injuries in youth sports are avoidable. The researchers say that injuries are caused by a number of factors, including such things as improper equipment and unsafe playing surfaces. However, "it is speculative and premature to suggest that injuries would not have occurred had the circumstances been ideal." Assumption 2: The adolescent growth spurt is a risk factor for injury in youth sport. The research does not bare this out. "The prevalence of injuries increases in some sports during the adolescent years, but factors other than the growth spurt are more likely involved." Assumption 3: Injuries in youth sports are more common during puberty than in the prepubertal or postpubertal years. The data is equivocal on the incidence and frequency of injuries during puberty and adolsecence. Assumption 4: The decrease in joint flexibility that occurs during puberty predisposes young athletes to injuries. Again, the research is unclear. "Flexibility is joint specific and is an individual characteristic. It is thus difficult to compare different joints." Assumption 5: Growth cartilage is more susceptible to injury than the surrounding tissues in the young athlete. This may be true. "Fortunately, most epiphyseal injuries are amenable to treatment and are easily reduced." Assumption 6: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are more common among females than among males. This is true. Girls have a consistently higher rate of injuries to the ACL. "However, no specific predisposing factors to ACL injuries in girls have been definitely identified." Assumption 7: Intensive training in sports such as gymnastics, ballet, figure skating and wrestling may stunt physical growth and delay progress toward biological maturation. It is difficult to make that case. There are too many other factors at play, such as selectivity and dietary manipulation. Assumption 8: Maturity matching is essential in order to prohibit the most mature athletes from causing injuries to the less mature athletes. It is a good idea. "The literature is replete with cautions against have more and less biologically mature young athletes compete against each other." Assumption 9: Inadequate rehabilitation from previous injury predisposes to subsequent injury. Yes. Prior injury is an increased risk factor. Assumption 10: The education and experience of the coach is a significant factor in the reduction or avoidance of injuries in youth sports. There is limited systematic evidence of this, but "logic and experience suggests that the philosophy and practices of the coach or coaching staff are important in injury prevention."

What It Means to You
There are many assumptions about what causes sports injuries to children and youth. However, science doesn't always substantiate them. Are some of the beliefs your coaches and physical education teachers hold about pediatric sports injuries based on fact or myth?

More Information
Consult Seefelt, V., Malina, R. & Katzmarzyk, P. (1997). Facts and myths about pediatric sports injuries: What science tells us. Proceedings, National Athletic Trainers' Association. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

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