Sports inuries in school-aged children. An epidemiologic study

F. J.G. Backx, W. B.M. Erich, A. B.A. Kemper, A. L.M. Verbeek

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97 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In november 1982, epidemiologic data were collected in a unique, large scale, population-based survey on sports injuries in school-aged children living in Holland. A total of 7,468 pupils aged 8 to 17, completed questionnaires covering a retrospective period of 6 weeks. Seven hundred ninety-one sports injuries were registered, amounting to an incidence of 10.6 sports injuries per 100 participants. In 31% of the cases, medical consultation was needed. Injuries incurred during the study period caused 36% of the children to miss one or more physical education classes and caused 6% to miss school for at least 1 day. Contusions and sprains were the most common lesions (77%). Three of four injuries involved the lower extremity, in particular the ankle. Sixty-two percent of all the injuries occurred in organized sports, 21% in physical education classes and 17% in unsupervised sports activities. The highest injury rates were found in basketball and field hockey. In this study population, 15 and 16-year-old boys who had a high sports activity index and played team sports, particularly contact team sports, formed a high risk group.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)234-240
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume17
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1989

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