Kids specializing in one sport may have higher injury risk: study

Maywood, IL – Kids and adolescents who specialize in one sport may have a higher risk of injury, according to a study from Loyola University Medical Center.

The study involved about 1,200 students 8 to 18 years old who were treated for a sports-related injury or who received a sports physical at one of two Chicago hospitals. Follow-up data was collected at six-month intervals from 2010 to 2012.

Researchers also found that time spent participating in organized sports had an effect on injury risk. The average child engaged in organized sports about twice as much as free play, researchers found. Youths who exceeded that amount or spent more hours a week in organized sports than their age (e.g., 10 hours for a 10-year-old) were more likely to be injured.

The study was presented Oct. 28 at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.