774 MEP112 – Unveiling the significance of sociocultural dynamics in youth sport injury research: a comprehensive narrative review

AbstractBackground The notion of athletes as dynamic, adaptable systems within their unique contexts has gained prominence in sport injury research, especially in sports and exercise medicine. This shift away from linear thinking towards individualised approaches is crucial for understanding injury causation. However, integrating sociocultural factors into sport injury research remains an emerging area. Sociocultural research, utilising qualitative methodologies, has explored the significance of context in injuries and pain, yet this knowledge has not fully merged with frameworks for complex interventions in sport injury research.Objective The study had a dual purpose: (a) To investigate how sociocultural dynamics influence youth sport injury aetiology and (b) to provide recommendations for integrating sociocultural approaches into youth sport injury research. Methods We conducted a comprehensive narrative review of literature with a sociocultural focus on injuries and pain. Our approach involved two phases: An extensive search across key databases followed by a cited reference search ('snowballing') on articles from the initial strategy. To analyse the findings effectively, we adapted and refined the dynamic biopsychosocial model of health.Findings Our investigation unveiled multiple ways in which sociocultural dynamics impact the aetiology of youth sport injuries. Sociocultural dynamics shape young athletes' experiences, emphasising the role of knowledge and social support. These sociocultural dynamics manifest through widely held beliefs among stakeholders, particularly in areas like sport training and athlete development. Finally, the changing role of sport institutions significantly contributes to the aetiology of youth sport injuries. Conclusion To drive meaningful change, researchers should consider comprehensive descriptions of study settings, supplementing traditional intervention studies with theoretically driven social research, and utilising ethnographic methods and interviews to uncover the underlying norms, values, and beliefs shaping attitudes and behaviours in the youth sports context. These approaches can pave the way for more holistic and effective injury prevention strategies and promote the well-being of young athletes.