592 EP073 – Youth early sports specialization: an evaluation of musculoskeletal injury rates, psycho-social development, and general physical health and development

Background The role of youth early sports specialization (YESS) and impact on injury remains poorly documented. With varying definitions of YESS and no longitudinal studies within or across sports the hypothesized link remains unproven. Objective To evaluate the link between YESS and injury and if YESS is necessary to have an elite career. Design Longitudinal online survey Setting Youth Sports Participants Convenience sample of children 5 – 16 years old. Assessment of Risk Factors Injury occurrence and sport injury occurred in. Main Outcome Measurements Self-report of participation, specialization, and injury. Results 489 households completed a survey. 440 children participated in regular physical activity. 444 children competed in sports. The mean age was 11 (std 2.8, 5–16). 67% were male. Structured Sport: 39% reported children participated in one sport. 16% were participating in three sports. The most reported sports were ice hockey, baseball, and lacrosse. 60% responded that their child was on one team per sport. 13% reported their child was on 3 teams within one sport. 44% reported club level and 15% school level participation. 9% reported that they specialized in one sport. 25% reported reducing time in other sports to focus on one sport. Of 171 who state they specialize Age 8 (15%) was the most common age for specialization. Ice hockey was the sport most specialized in. Unstructured Sport 85% of respondents reported that they participated in at least one unstructured non-competitive activity. Ice skating, biking, and swimming were the most common unstructured activities. Nearly equal percentages of boys and girls reported riding bicycles, and ice skating. Injury 27 children had current injuries limiting participation primarily in the knee. 22 reported impact on their ability to participate. Injury was spread across all sports. Conclusions Young children continue to specialize at an early age. Few currently participating have injuries.