Early sport specialization and chronic injuries in college students
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Timothy J. Zinke (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Scott Ross
Abstract: Early sport specialization (ESS) is an increasingly common occurrence in youth sports due to the perception that it increases a child’s chances for attaining elite athletic success (Swindell et al., 2019; Waldron et al., 2020). However, a growing body of research has challenged this notion while also showing that ESS is associated with an elevated risk of sustaining a sport-related injury (Burwell et al., 2022; N. A. Jayanthi et al., 2019). Further exploration of the relationship between early sport specialization and chronic injury is warranted. Early sport specialization has also been associated with increased athlete burnout and decreased sport participation in adulthood (Giusti et al., 2020; Russell & Limle, 2013). However, the reasons behind these associations remain unclear. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between ESS and chronic injuries and to understand the underlying reasons and values that influence the decisions regarding sport specialization. A sample of college students was surveyed to determine their history of sport participation, specialization, and sport-related injury, along with their current levels of physical activity and sport participation. Questions explored their motivations for choosing to specialize in their sport as well as the reasons why those who no longer play their sport decided to quit. Data analysis focused on relationships between age and degree of specialization and the odds of a student still dealing with chronic effects of a sport-related injury. The study found that a high degree of early specialization was associated with significantly greater odds (OR = 2.53; 95% CI [1.24, 5.13]) of having sustained a chronic injury. The most significant factor that drove the decision to specialize early was enjoyment of their sport. Loss of enjoyment was the main reason cited for quitting a sport that they had once specialized in. These findings can be used to help educate parents, coaches, and researchers regarding the potential drawbacks of their children specializing too early in a sport while also providing them insight into some of the reasons surrounding the specialization decision.
Early sport specialization and chronic injuries in college students
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Created on 8/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Chronic injury, College student, Early sport specialization, Sport attrition
- Subjects
- Sports for children
- Sports injuries