Epidemiology of Sports Injury in Pediatric Athletes

Background: This study addresses the growing concern regarding sports injuries among children and adolescents engaged in various sports activities. As youth participation in sports continues to rise, understanding the epidemiology of these injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. The study also highlights the need for comprehensive data on the incidence of injuries, types, and risk factors specific to child athletes, as well as their long-term health outcomes and athletic development. Methods: The study utilized a systematic review approach and analyzed the existing literature between ۲۰۰۹ and ۲۰۲۲ on sports injuries in child populations, focusing on data collected from various sources, including injury surveillance systems, clinical reports, and surveys conducted among young athletes. It examined variables such as age, gender, type of sport, mechanisms of injury, and the nature of injuries sustained. Furthermore, it assessed the impact of training sessions and competition levels on injury rates. Ethical considerations were ensured by making sure that all studies included in the review adhered to appropriate guidelines for research involving minors. Results: The findings indicate that sports injuries are prevalent among child athletes, with an overall injury rate reported to be nearly ۴۰% across various sports disciplines. The most commonly identified injuries included ankle sprains (۱۱.۹۸%), lower back strains (۱۲.۲۴%), and bone fractures (۹.۳۱%). Notably, soccer emerged as the sport with the highest injury incidence, followed by basketball and judo. The study also revealed that training sessions accounted for the majority of injuries (۵۹.۲۸%) compared to competitions (۲۵.۷۵%). Injury mechanisms varied; however, acute non-contact trauma was responsible for a significant proportion of cases (۲۱.۵۴%). The analysis showed that younger athletes are more vulnerable due to factors such as inadequate physical conditioning and lack of experience in injury prevention strategies. Additionally, previous injuries increased the likelihood of subsequent injuries among child athletes. Conclusion: As a result, the epidemiology of sports injuries in child athletes underscores the urgent need for targeted prevention programs tailored to this population. The high incidence of injuries associated with specific sports necessitates implementing effective training protocols that emphasize proper techniques, conditioning, and recovery strategies. Moreover, raising awareness among coaches, parents, and young athletes about the importance of injury prevention could significantly reduce the risk of injury. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term effects of sports injuries on the health and performance of young athletes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pediatric Athletes ، Sports Injuries ، Injury Epidemiology ، Ankle Sprains ، Injury Prevention ، Acute Trauma