Helping parents to pitch smart : evaluation of an educational program for parents of Little League baseball players to reduce injury risk behaviors
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Adam D. Graham (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Diane Gill
Abstract: Many youth athletes and their parents focus specifically on baseball with the belief that it will aid with obtaining a college scholarship and maybe even reach the professional level. However, evidence shows that this can increase injury risk and injury in these young developing skeletons. The literature also suggests that educating parents could reduce these injuries. Using a web-based survey and educational video, this study aimed at educating parents on injury risk and prevention guidelines. A total of 32 parents completed the pre-survey, answering questions about their familiarity with potential youth injuries, current practices, and familiarity and knowledge of the Pitch Smart guidelines. Parents were then asked to watch an educational video covering potential injuries and Pitch Smart guidelines. Once viewed, parents (n=8) completed the postsurvey, which asked the same knowledge questions. To increase participants, college athletes were invited to participate as well; 13 started the pre-survey but only 4 completed the postsurvey. Parents increased significantly on their overall knowledge score (pre-survey: 11.6 ± 2.77, post-survey: 16.0 ± 1.60, t(7) = -5.79, p<.001) as well as injury familiarity after the educational video, while there was little improvement in the college athletes. Responses on the post-survey evaluation were positive but suggested the video was too long and could have benefited from format changes. Further research with larger samples is needed to develop effective educational programs and delivery methods.
Helping parents to pitch smart : evaluation of an educational program for parents of Little League baseball players to reduce injury risk behaviors
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Created on 5/1/2022
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2022
- Keywords
- Baseball, Injury prevention, Parents, Youth
- Subjects
- Little League baseball $x Safety measures
- Baseball injuries $x Prevention
- Safety education
- Parent and child