Sport-Related Injuries over the Life Course: Risk Factors and Trends
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Date
2024-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Sports are popular in the US due to perceived physical, mental, and social benefits. However, sport-related injuries continue to be a common and worrisome phenomenon as participation increases. The purpose of this study is to use data from the National Sports and Society Survey (N=3,993) to identify links between sport participation patterns and their respective risks for developing sport-related injuries. Participation patterns of interest include whether or not an organized sport was played over and beyond playing a sport regularly, duration of play, number of sports played, level of competition experienced, and the amount of violence in sports played. Logistic and ordinary least squares regressions are used to analyze the relationships between sport participation patterns, both through childhood and adulthood participation, and the likelihood, and number, of any sport injuries and serious sport injuries. Results show that playing a sport regularly while growing up increases the risk of injury and serious injury. In addition, participating in an organized sport further increases the odds of developing injuries and serious injuries. A greater number of sports played, along with higher levels of competition, and durations in sport settings, are positively correlated with injury risks. Lastly, playing more violent sports leads to increased serious injury risks. Findings from this study can be used to provide insight into the risks of sport participation and how to more safely experience sports in order to enhance enjoyment and possibilities of long term participation throughout the life course.