Emergency Action Planning in United States High Schools.

BACKGROUND: Rates of emergency action plan (EAP) implementation and compliance with EAP guidelines vary in United States secondary schools. There are limited data on emergency preparedness in schools without athletic trainers (ATs). HYPOTHESIS: Rural and high poverty schools have poor emergency preparedness for high school athletic events due to financial barriers and lack of ATs. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was emailed by each State High School Athletics Association to ATs, athletic directors, and coaches of recipient schools to assess emergency preparedness. RESULTS: A total of 686 responses were received (response rate ~3.5%). Schools with an AT on staff were more likely to have an EAP (P < 0.01). Schools with a higher enrollment were more likely to have an EAP (P < 0.01), an AT on staff (P < 0.01), require additional training for coaches (P < 0.01), and have an automated external defibrillator (AED) onsite for all events (P < 0.01). Urban (odds ratio [OR], 3.514; 95% CI [2.242, 5.507]; P < 0.01) and suburban (OR, 4.950; 95% CI [3.287, 7.454]; P < 0.01) districts were more likely than rural districts to have an AT on staff. High poverty districts were less likely to have an AED (OR, 0.660; 95% CI [0.452, 0.964]; P = 0.03) or EAP (OR, 0.511; 95% CI [0.306, 0.853]; P < 0.01) at athletic venues. CONCLUSION: Lower enrollment, high poverty, and rural schools are less prepared for athletic emergencies than their higher enrollment, low poverty, and suburban counterparts as these schools are generally less likely to have an AT on staff, AEDs, and EAPs and less likely to provide additional training to coaches and other staff. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study assesses athletic emergency preparedness-a critical component of ensuring athlete safety and recovery after injury.

Sport mental health continuum in young Brazilian athletes: adaptation and psychometric properties.

Instruments used to assess the mental well-being of young athletes in Brazil are scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt for young athletes, and gather evidence of validity for the Sport Mental Health-Short Form (S-MHC) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. The research was conducted in five stages: translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert review, and validation of the psychometric properties. For validation, 246 young athletes of both genders (88 females, 35.8%), aged between 12 and 18 years (14.5 ± 1.9 years), were recruited. Psychometric methods were employed to confirm and validate the translated and adapted versions of the S-MHC for young athletes, including internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, composite reliability, Item Characteristic Curve (ICC) using Item Response Theory (IRT), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Two structures were tested, with Model 1 loading the 14 items of the translated version of the S-MHC into a single latent factor and Model 2 loading the items into three factors related to emotional, social, and psychological sport well-being. Both models showed good validity, consistency, and reliability measures and can be used to investigate the sport well-being of young athletes. It was concluded that the translated version of the S-MHC in Brazilian Portuguese can be used to assess the sport well-being of young athletes in Brazil. Model 2 structure is recommended to observe the different nuances of emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

Make It or Break It? Injury Impacts More Than Half of Deselected Athletes Who Dropped Out of the High-Performance Pathway System. A 4-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

To investigate: (1) the injury epidemiology in an Australian academy; (2) how athletes transition through the high-performance sport (HPS) pathway; and (3) why athletes leave this HPS program. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at an Australian HPS academy over a 4-year period. Medical attention injuries were prospectively recorded. Injury incidence rates (IIR) and burden were calculated per 365 athlete-days, according to sport, sex, and pathway level. Athlete pathway levels were mapped to the Foundations, Talent, Elite, and Mastery (FTEM) framework. Reasons for athletes transitioning out were reported. Four hundred and eighty-one injuries were reported across 124 athletes at an IIR of 2.09 injuries per 365 athlete-days (95% CI = 1.91-2.29). Most athletes (103, 83.1%) were injured at least once over the 4-year period. IIRs increased (IRR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.06-1.29, p = 0.001) as athletes progressed through the pathway. The most common reason for athlete attrition was deselection due to performance (n = 18), with 55.6% of these athletes sustaining an injury in the season prior to deselection. Injury burden was highest at E2 (119.5 days absence per 365 athlete-days (95% CI = 62.18-229.67)) and lowest at T4 (30.47 days absence per 365 athlete-days (95% CI = 21.98-42.24)). Injury occurrence is common across HPS, with IIRs increasing as athletes progressed to higher talent levels. Deselection due to poor performance was the main attrition factor, with more than half the deselected athletes impacted by injury prior to deselection. This study highlights an increased risk of deselection, following injury, and indicates the need for further development of prevention strategies targeting pathway athletes.

Lower-Quarter Y-Balance Test Differs by Age: Younger Athletes May Not Be Generalized to High School-Aged Counterparts.

Background: Given rising youth sport participation, 8 to 10-year-olds increasingly display comparable lower-extremity injury incidence to 11 to 17-year-olds and require effective return to sport criteria. One such criterion which quantifies dynamic stability is the Y-Balance Test (YBT), though it has not been validated in children under age 11. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of 8 to 10-year-old patients on the YBT after lower-extremity injury and determine how these results compare to larger samples of age-grouped athletes within the validated 11 to 17-year-old range. It was hypothesized that 8 to 10-year-olds would display different normalized YBT distances compared to 11 to 17-year-olds. Study Design: Cross-sectional Study. Methods: Patients (N=1093) aged 8 to 17 who presented to a pediatric sports medicine practice with a lower-extremity injury and completed the YBT between December 2015-May 2021 were included. Anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral YBT scores were collected at return-to-sport for affected and unaffected limbs. Scores were normalized to limb length, and composite scores were created. Between-limb differences were calculated in groups of ages 8-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17. Groups were also evaluated for differences by sex. Results: A rise in performance was observed in unaffected limb anterior reach from ages 8 to 10 years to 11 to 12 years followed by a subsequent significant decrease at older ages (p<0.001). Affected limb anterior reach differed between the youngest group and two oldest groups (p=0.004). Anterior and composite difference were significantly different between the oldest three groups (p=0.014 anterior; p=0.024 composite). No differences were observed between sexes in 8 to 10-year-olds, though 11 to 12-year-old females reached further during all eight distances. In the older three groups, males generally displayed greater between-limb differences. Conclusion: YBT scores, specifically anterior reach, demonstrated inconsistency by age and sex across a large adolescent cohort. Existing return-to-sport standards should not be used with younger athletes, and individual validation is required. Level of Evidence: Level III.

An initial assessment of an opinion leader-informed intervention to improve concussion-related outcomes among middle school parents: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: There is a need for evidence-based prevention programming that can reduce head impacts and increase reporting and disclosure of concussion. This study assessed an intervention to decrease concussion risk and improve concussion management through improving concussion-related knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and self-efficacy among parents in the middle school (MS) sport setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial (NCT04841473) examined parents of MS-aged children. Participants were randomized into one of two study arms: (1) CDC, which completed an education training module that compiled concussion education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and (2) TRAIN + CDC, which completed the CDC training module and an additional TRAIN educational module that provided strategies (originating from the Popular Opinion Leader framework) on communicating such information with one's personal peer networks and children. Validated measures of concussion-related knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and self-efficacy were collected before completing the training modules and one week following completion. Linear mixed model analyses examined differences in outcomes between study arms. RESULTS: Overall, 103 parents completed the training modules and had valid pre- and post-intervention data (TRAIN + CDC n = 49; CDC n = 54). Analyses found that the study arms did not differ in the change scores from pre- to post-intervention across concussion-related outcomes. However, scores from pre- to post-intervention improved across both study arms for knowledge metrics, such as 'Concussions are less likely to happen when athletes play by the rules of the sport' (p < 0.001), and self-efficacy metrics, such as feeling confident in one's knowledge and recognition of concussion symptoms (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although study arms did not differ in change scores from pre- to post-intervention, beneficial increases were nonetheless found across both knowledge and self-efficacy. Additional research is needed to further examine the beneficial manners in which concussion education can be best delivered and the most effective.

Transforming youth sports team performance in the Era of digitalization: The Interplay of charismatic leadership, satisfaction, and team engagement drivers.

In sports, teamwork plays an vital role in improving performance. It makes the individuals nurture an environment of team dynamics, acquaintance, and instructor support. It collaboratively synergizes a team's satisfaction and performance, and thereby its ability to achieve global success. This study examines how charismatic leadership affects team performance in the context of digitalization, focusing on employee satisfaction and team engagement. A survey of 409 participants from the sports industry was conducted to assess their perceptions of leadership style, satisfaction, and engagement. Using a Likert scale, the survey identified correlations between charismatic leadership and key team outcomes. The analysis demonstrates the significant impact of charismatic leadership on enhancing satisfaction and driving team engagement, offering valuable insights for leaders aiming to boost team performance in a digitally transformed workplace.

Psychological Well-Being From Sports Injuries in Adolescence: A Narrative Review.

The objective of this paper is to review how the mental and psychological well-being of the adolescent athlete population may be impacted by sports injuries, specifically the development of their personal identities. To answer this question, we conducted a narrative review using keywords such as "adolescence," "psychological," "injury," and "sport" in the PubMed database. When conducting the research, we included sources from the past 15 years in order to gain a more present and accurate analysis of our question, and no countries were excluded from our population. Through our research, we identified risk factors that contribute to the rising psychological stress on adolescents. The return to sport was also found to be primarily affected by implied psychological illnesses such as self-confidence and identity, along with parental and coach guidance through the rehabilitation process. Despite the lack of research, scientists work to pursue additional psychological interventions to ensure the emotional well-being of adolescent athletes. Through this review, we aim to inform athletes, coaches, parents, and pediatricians about psychological issues that they may face as they continue to pursue their respective roles in sports. This study also paves a path for future research concerning potential interventions to prevent such psychological issues and ensure both physical and mental health for young athletes.

The associations between organized sport participation and physical fitness and weight status development during adolescence.

OBJECTIVES: We are yet to understand how continuous participation in organized sports, dropout from organized sports, or complete non-participation affect adolescents' trajectories of physical fitness and body mass index (BMI). Thus, the aim was to examine longitudinal changes in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and BMI between adolescents 1) who continued or started organized sport participation, 2) who dropped out, and 3) who never participated in organized sport or dropped out before adolescence. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. METHODS: Over four years (2017-2021), sport participation, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and BMI data were collected annually from 963 participants (Mage = 11.25 ±â€¯0.31). Latent growth curve models were utilized to examine levels (baseline) and slopes (rate of change) of BMI, cardiorespiratory, and muscular fitness in each sport participation group. RESULTS: Fitness levels significantly varied among groups. Continuing sport participants exhibited the highest levels, non-participants the lowest. Both groups showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness over time. Dropouts had higher baseline fitness than non-participants but demonstrated no change in cardiorespiratory fitness over time and a significantly smaller increase in muscular fitness than the two other groups. BMI increased similarly in all groups, with non-participants starting at higher baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who continually participated in sports maintained higher levels of fitness than individuals who did not participate in organized sports across adolescence. However, individuals who dropped out of organized sports, showed plateau in their fitness improvements, suggesting that the physical activity previously obtained through organized sports may not be replaced elsewhere.

Strength and Conditioning in the Young Athlete for Long-Term Athletic Development.

The safety and efficacy of youth strength and conditioning programs depend on proper instruction, coaching, and supervision. Types of training include bodyweight strengthening, resistance bands, medicine balls and weights, agility, plyometrics, and cardiovascular exercise. These should be preceded by a proper warm up using a combination of static stretching, self-myofascial release, dynamic warm-ups, and sport-specific warm-ups. Coaches and trainers should consider the athlete's age, maturity level, cognitive ability, puberty status, sport volume, and readiness levels in designing and supervising strength and conditioning programs. This review article covers the latest evidence supporting training to improve movement skills and promote long-term athletic development, while also preventing injury, for young athletes.

The Impact of Exercise Cognition on Exercise Behaviors: The Mediating Role of the Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise for Adolescents.

In recent years, the exercise behavior of Chinese adolescents has been on the decline, which is extremely detrimental to their physical and mental health development. However, few studies have explored the mechanisms by which exercise cognition influences Chinese adolescents' exercise behavior. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between exercise cognition and exercise behavior among Chinese adolescents and the mediating role of satisfying basic psychological needs for exercise. The study consisted of 996 adolescents (44.6% males, 55.4% females) between the ages of 12 and 15 (M = 13.34, SD = 1.059). Participants' exercise behaviors and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for exercise data were collected via surveys. Structure equation modeling (SEM) was performed to examine the direct and indirect effects. The results were as follows: (1) adolescents' perceptions of exercise were significantly associated with exercise behavior and (2) the mediation model suggests that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for exercise is an important mechanism by which exercise cognition influences the occurrence of exercise behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to help adolescents form good exercise cognition. Schools, families, and society should take responsibility for adolescents' formation of good exercise cognition and satisfy adolescents' basic psychological needs for exercise so as to enhance adolescents' exercise behaviors and thereby develop good exercise habits.

SCAT5 baseline values, test-retest reliability, and reliable change metrics in high school athletes.

OBJECTIVE: In the United States, more than 1 million sport-related concussions afflict children annually, with many cases undetected or unreported. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) is widely used to detect concussions in high school, collegiate, and professional sports. The objective of this study was to establish baseline values for the SCAT version 5 (SCAT5) in high school athletes. METHODS: Baseline SCAT5 evaluations were conducted in students (ages 14-19 years) from 19 high schools in central Illinois who were participating in various school-sponsored sports. The SCAT5 evaluations were retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical record system for analysis. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables, considering significance at p < 0.05. Test-retest reliability at < 6 months, 10-14 months, and 16-20 months was computed using intraclass correlation and Spearman's rho (ρ). Reliable change indices are provided using the Iverson formula. RESULTS: A total of 2833 unique athletes were included, and the average age was 15.5 ± 1.14 (SD) years. There were 721 female (25.5%) and 2112 male (74.5%) athletes. Students ≥ 15 years old had more prior concussions (p < 0.001), and male athletes were more frequently hospitalized for head injury (p = 0.013). Female athletes exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of mood disorders (14.7% vs 4.6%, p < 0.001), whereas attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was more common in male athletes (5.2% vs 13.2%, p < 0.001). Symptom number and severity were significantly greater in female athletes (3.17 ± 4.39 vs 2.08 ± 3.49, p < 0.001; 5.47 ± 9.21 vs 3.52 ± 7.26, p < 0.001, respectively), with mood-related symptoms representing the largest differences. Female athletes and students ≥ 15 years old performed better on most cognitive assessments. Female athletes and students < 15 years old performed better on the modified Balance Error Scoring System (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability was poor to moderate for most assessment components. Reliable change index cutoff values differed slightly by sex, with female athletes often having a greater cutoff value. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the variability of SCAT5 baseline values influenced by age, sex, and medical history among adolescent athletes. It provides a robust dataset, delineating baseline values stratified by sex and age within this demographic. Additionally, the results provide enhanced guidance to clinicians for interpretation of change and reliability of baselines.

NPCs in video games: a reflective resource for sports coaches and participant engagement.

This perspective article explores the potential of non-player characters (NPCs) in video games as a reflective tool for coaches to enhance participant engagement in sports. While coaches traditionally focus on movement skill instruction, their role extends to fostering young people's immersion in sports contexts and potentially contribute to the possibility of lifelong participation. However, challenges persist in translating coaching theory in coach education programs into practice, including the awareness of roles and how to make young people immersion in sports. Integrating elements from video games, where NPCs play pivotal roles in shaping player experiences, presents a possible avenue for re-thinking the role of coach, especially in participation. By drawing parallels between NPCs and coaches, this article advocates for a new reflection tool for coaching roles. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of leveraging NPCs to enhance athlete engagement and motivation, ultimately creating dynamic and inclusive coaching environments that cater to the evolving needs of participants.

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Accessibility: An Area Deprivation Index (ADI) Analysis of National Basketball Association (NBA) Players' Profiles.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Youth sports are increasingly shifting towards a "pay to play" model which has introduced financial barriers to participation. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is the main organization for club basketball, serving as a platform where young athletes can compete beyond the recreational level. Outside the realm of athletes who have access to state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier coaching, the pathway to playing basketball at the next level may be predominantly available to those who can afford the considerable costs of AAU participation. The objective of this study is to determine the accessibility of AAU teams of active National Basketball Association (NBA) players through use of the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). RECENT FINDINGS: We identified 114 AAU teams with physical addresses for 250 (50%) currently active domestic NBA players. The State ADI of the high schools as well as national and state ADIs of prior AAU teams of active NBA players were significantly skewed toward lower ADI rankings (higher socioeconomic status) (p < 0.05). The mean distance between high school location and AAU location was 170 miles. Prior AAU teams of currently active NBA players are more frequently located in areas of higher socioeconomic status with nearly 50% being within the top 3rd lower state decile as measured by the area deprivation index. Similarly, we found the high schools these players attended, as a proxy for areas they grew up in, were also more frequently located in areas of higher socioeconomic status.

Trends in Nutrition-Related Risk Factors Identified Post-Operatively in Patients Treated for a Lower-Extremity Injury.

This study investigated trends within a custom Sports Nutrition Assessment for Consultation (SNAC) survey designed to identify nutrition-related risk factors among post-operative lower-extremity youth athletes. Athletes aged 8-18 years who completed the SNAC at a sports medicine institution after lower-extremity surgery were reviewed for associations between SNAC questions and age/sex differences. Of 477 patients (15.0 ± 2.0 years; 47.8% female), 319 (66.9%) answered 'yes' to at least one question and were identified for a consult, though 216 (64.3%) declined. The most frequent questions to prompt a consult were a desire to better understand nutrition for recovery (41.5%) and regularly skipping at least one meal a day (29.8%). Inter-question responses were often significantly related, especially regarding appetite changes, weight changes, and/or meal-skipping. While consult acceptance was not significantly different between sex/age, males were more likely to report a desire to better understand nutrition (p = 0.004) and a weight change (p = 0.019), and females were more likely to report struggling with dizziness/fatigue (p < 0.001). Additionally, older athletes reported an appetite change (p = 0.022), meal-skipping (p = 0.002), a desire to better understand nutrition (p < 0.001), a weight change (p < 0.001), and an effort/recommendation to change their body composition/weight (p = 0.005). These findings demonstrate a link between risky nutrition behaviors and physical detriments.

Effects of Therapies Involving Plyometric-Jump Training on Physical Fitness of Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of plyometric-jump training (PJT) on the physical fitness of youth with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with controls (i.e., standard therapy). The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. Eligibility was assessed using the PICOS approach. Literature searches were conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Methodological study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data were meta-analyzed by applying a random-effects model to calculate Hedges' g effect sizes (ES), along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The impact of heterogeneity was assessed (I2 statistic), and the certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE approach. Eight randomized-controlled studies with low-to-moderate methodological quality were included, involving male (n = 225) and female (n = 138) youth aged 9.5 to 14.6 years. PJT interventions lasted between 8 and 12 weeks with 2-4 weekly sessions. Compared with controls, PJT improved the muscle strength (ES = 0.66 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.36-0.96, p < 0.001, I2 = 5.4%), static (ES = 0.69 [moderate], 95% CI= 0.33-1.04, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%) and dynamic balance (ES = 0.85 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.12-1.58, p = 0.023, I2 = 81.6%) of youth with CP. Therefore, PJT improves muscle strength and static and dynamic balance in youth with CP compared with controls. However, more high-quality randomized-controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to provide a more definitive recommendation regarding the use and safety of PJT to improve measures of physical fitness.

Characteristics and Clinical Assessment of Elbow Pain in Youth Baseball Players.

Elbow injuries related to the throwing motion in baseball during the growth period present difficulties for early detection and may cause serious future disabilities. This study aimed to comprehensively determine the characteristics and clinical assessment of elbow pain in youth baseball players. Two hundred and sixteen young baseball players underwent elbow medical examination. Basic information and physical examination, clinical assessment, and ultrasonography results were examined. Univariate analyses were statistically performed between the pain-free (98 participants) and elbow pain (118 participants) groups. The mean age was 11.6 years, and ultrasonographic abnormalities were found on the medial side of the elbow in 37.5%. In total, 118 (54.6%) participants experienced elbow pain, with 64.4% of them complaining of elbow pain on the medial side. Players with multiple positions (≥2 positions) had a significantly higher prevalence of elbow pain. Height, weight, length of baseball experience, and positive rates of horizontal flexion and moving valgus stress tests were higher in the elbow pain group than in the pain-free group. The risk factors and clinical assessment for elbow pain are useful for the prevention and early detection of throwing elbow injuries in youth baseball players.

Jump performance and movement quality in 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Injury rates in competitive alpine skiing are high. With current methods, identifying people at risk is expensive and thus often not feasible at the youth level. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the jump performance and movement quality of youth competitive alpine skiers according to age and sex, (2) to compare the jump distance among skiers of different sexes and movement quality grades, and (3) to assess the inter-rater grading reliability of the qualitative visual movement quality classification of such jumps and the agreement between live and video-based post-exercise grading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on an anonymized dataset of 301 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers. The skiers performed two-legged forward triple jumps, whereby the jump distance was measured, and grades were assigned by experienced raters from the frontal and sagittal perspectives depending on the execution quality of the jumps. Furthermore, jumps were filmed and ultimately rated post-exercise. Differences in jump distance between various groups were assessed by multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs). Reliability was determined using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. RESULTS: The jump distance was significantly greater in U16 skiers than in U11 skiers of both sexes and in skiers with good execution quality than in those with reduced or poor execution quality. Overall, jump distance in U16 skiers significantly differed between female (5.37 m with 95% CI [5.21, 5.53]) and male skiers (5.90 m with 95%CI [5.69, 6.10]). Slightly better inter-rater grading reliability was observed for video-based post-exercise (strong agreement) ratings than for live ratings (moderate agreement). CONCLUSION: In competitive alpine skiers aged 7 to 15 years, jump performance increases with age, and around puberty, sex differences start to manifest. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating both jump distance and movement quality in youth skiers. To improve test-retest reliability, however, a video-based post-exercise evaluation is recommended.

In youth competitive alpine skiers, jump performance and movement quality matter, and both should be trained and tested.A qualitative assessment of movement quality while jumping by experts is a highly scalable and cost-effective approach; however, to ensure sufficient test-retest reliability, the assessment criteria need to be standardised and an additional video-based post-exercise assessment is recommended.

Longitudinal Meta-Analysis of Peak Height Velocity in Young Female Athletes.

Growth patterns and biological milestones in youth sports are key to interpreting the development of young athletes. However, there is no analysis of longitudinal meta-analysis describing the growth of young female athletes. This longitudinal meta-analysis estimated growth curves and age at peak height velocity (PHV) in young female athletes based on anthropometric data from longitudinal studies found in the literature. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, studies with repeated measurements in young female athletes were identified from searches of four databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus) without date restrictions through August 2023. We adapted our bias assessment criteria using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials as a reference. Bayesian multilevel modeling was used to perform a longitudinal meta-analysis to extract stature growth curves and age at PHV. Fourteen studies met our eligibility criteria. Twenty-one independent samples could be included in the analysis. Conditional on the data and models, the predicted mean age at PHV for female athletes was 11.18 years (90% CI: 8.62; 12.94). When studies were aggregated by sport in the models, the models could not capture sport-specific growth curves for stature and estimate a corresponding age at PHV. We provide the first longitudinal meta-analytic summary of pubertal growth and derive age at PHV in young female athletes. The meta-analysis predicted that age at PHV occurs at similar ages to those in the general pediatric population. The data pool was limited in sports and geographic distribution, emphasizing the need to promote longitudinal research in females across different youth sports contexts.

Nonsurgical Rehabilitation Perspectives for a Type I Salter-Harris Fracture With Lipohemarthrosis and Concomitant Grade II Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear in a Volleyball Athlete: A Case Report.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears represent common occurrences in sports, particularly posing significant risks to young athletes. The diagnostic methods for ACL injury include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthroscopy, and physical examination. Management of this injury can be done both operative and nonoperatively. Pediatric growth plate fractures are classified under the Salter-Harris classification. A 13-year-old male athlete sustained a knee injury during a volleyball match. While landing from a jump after a smash, the athlete directly landed on the ground on his right knee. After this, he reported discomfort and severe anterior knee pain. Due to immobility and pain, he was taken to the emergency unit. Upon radiographic examination, a Salter-Harris Classification Type I fracture was found, indicating epiphyseal slip and separation through the physis of the right proximal tibia medially. An MRI imaging was done to check the integrity of the ACL after the swelling had subsided post-15 days of injury. An MRI identified a bony contusion on the medial tibial plateau, extending to the physeal plate with a Grade II ACL tear. The concurrent occurrence of ACL injury and growth plate injury presents a significant concern. Hence, a referral for physical therapy rehabilitation was given. Our findings highlight the importance of prompt initiation of physical rehabilitation following such injuries. Where non-surgical rehabilitation strategies play a crucial role in managing these cases while focusing on restoring knee stability, promoting healing of the growth plate, and facilitating a safe return to sport. Tailored rehabilitation, including therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular training, and proprioceptive training, is essential for optimizing outcomes and preventing long-term complications. The case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing the complex knee injury of this young athlete.

Identifying links between athletic identity and risk factors related to youth sport participation.

Introduction: The development of identity formation occurs during adolescence through experiences, ideals and principle. With greater accessibility to sports, recent trends have shown increased rates of sports specialization over the past decade in youth athletes. Athletic identity measures the strength an individual is tied to the athlete role and can be formed in conjunction to adolescent identity formation. More specialized youth athletes may have stronger ties to their athletic identity during their adolescent identity formation period. Methods: Youth basketball athletes were surveyed on specialization levels and athletic identity via the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), including three submeasures: social identity, exclusivity, and negative affectivity. Results: Participants showed stronger identification to social identity items and the weakest identification with exclusivity items. Athletes reporting more time spent playing their primary sport presented higher scores across all measures of athletic identity, and total athletic identity was stronger in athletes reporting specialization at an earlier age. Exclusivity and negative affectivity tended to increase with specialization level which may primarily be driven by specialized athletes choosing to quit non-primary sports. Discussion: Athletic identity may be worth noting as a psychological indicator of potential risk of injury. The long-term goal of this work is to provide the research and clinical community a greater understanding of a potential psychosocial risk factor as youth athletes continue specializing and spending more time training in a singular sport.