Factors That Drive Youth Specialization.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Specialization in young athletes has been linked to overuse injuries, burnout, and decreased satisfaction. Despite continued opposition from the medical community, epidemiological studies suggest the frequency is increasing.

Hypothesis

Extrinsic pressures in addition to individual aspirations drive this national trend in sports specialization.

Study design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Level of evidence

Level 3.

Methods

A novel instrument assessing the driving factors behind youth specialization was generated by an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals. Surveys were administered to patients and athletes in the department's sports medicine clinic.

Results

The survey was completed by 235 athletes between 7 and 18 years of age,

SUBMITTER: Padaki AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5665117 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov/Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature