Injury Rates in High School and Collegiate Athletics

Abstract

HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ATHLETES OVER THE PREVIOUS YEARS. THIS INCREASE IN SPORT PARTICIPATION LEADS TO A GREATER RESPONSIBILITY TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF INJURY AND MAKE ATHLETIC INVOLVEMENT SAFER. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO EXAMINE THE INJURY RATES OF HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS. INJURY RATES AT SPECIFIC JOINTS WILL BE ADDRESSED FOR THE MAJOR SPONSORED SPORTS. BY UNDERSTANDING INJURY RATES AND RECOGNIZING THE SPORT-SPECIFIC INJURIES, THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS WILL BE ABLE TO BETTER DESIGN PROGRAMS THAT MAY REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF INJURY.