Consequences of single sport specialization in the pediatric and adolescent athlete

Pediatric and adolescent sports participation has increased with a concomitant increase in injuries. Sports have transitioned from recreational to deliberate, structured activities wherein success is determined by achievement of 'elite' status. This has led to specialization in a single sp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Orthopedic clinics of North America Vol. 46; no. 2; p. 249
Main Authors Smucny, Mia, Parikh, Shital N, Pandya, Nirav K
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.2015
Subjects
Adolescent
Athletic Injuries - prevention & control
Athletic Performance
Child
Competitive Behavior
Humans
Physical Education and Training
Sports
Specialization
Sports injuries
Burnout
Adolescent
Youth
Pediatric
Overuse
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Summary:Pediatric and adolescent sports participation has increased with a concomitant increase in injuries. Sports have transitioned from recreational to deliberate, structured activities wherein success is determined by achievement of 'elite' status. This has led to specialization in a single sport with intensive, repetitive activity at younger ages causing physical and emotional consequences, particularly true for the growing athlete who is particularly susceptible to injury. Clinicians caring for this population must understand the epidemiology of youth sports specialization, the unique physiology/structure of this age group, and the potential physical and emotional consequences.
ISSN:1558-1373
DOI:10.1016/j.ocl.2014.11.004