Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate lifetime prevalence and risk factors for overuse injuries
in high school athletes currently participating in long-distance running and
provide recommendations for injury prevention strategies. DESIGN: Retrospective
study design. SETTING: Twenty-eight high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.
PARTICIPANTS: A total of 442 female and 306 male athletes, ages 13-18 years, who
are on cross-country and track and field teams. METHODS: Online survey with
questions that detailed previous injuries sustained and risk factors for injury.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Previous overuse injuries and association of risk
factors to injury (including training variables, dietary patterns, and, in girls,
menstrual irregularities). RESULTS: Previous injuries were reported by 68% of
female subjects and 59% of male subjects. More injury types were seen in girls
(1.2 +/- 1.1 versus 1.0 +/- 1.0, P < .01). Both genders had similar participation
in running (2.5 +/- 2.2 versus 2.3 +/- 2.1 years), and previous injury prevalence
followed a similar pattern: tibial stress injury (girls, 41%; boys, 34%), ankle
sprain (girls, 32%; boys, 28%), patellofemoral pain (girls, 21%; boys, 16%),
Achilles tendonitis (girls, 9%; boys, 6%), iliotibial band syndrome (girls, 7%;
boys, 5%), and plantar fasciitis (girls, 5%; boys, 3%). Higher weekly mileage was
associated with previous injuries in boys, (17.1 +/- 11.9 versus 14.1 +/- 11.5, P
< .05) but not in girls (14.4 +/- 10.2 versus 12.6 +/- 11.8, not significant). A
strong association between higher mileage and faster performances was seen in
both groups. No association between previous injury and current dietary patterns
(including disordered eating and calcium intake) or menstrual irregularities was
seen. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of athletes currently participating in high
school cross-country and track and field have a history of sustaining an overuse
injury, with girls having a higher prevalence of injury. A modest mileage
reduction may represent a modifiable risk factor for injury reduction. Future
research is needed to evaluate the effects of incorporating a comprehensive
strength training program on the prospective development of overuse injury and
performance in this population.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS