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High School Football Injuries: A Descriptive Epidemiology Study

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published in the Research in Sports Medicine journal has shed light on the incidence and characteristics of injuries in high school men's American football. The investigation used data from the National Athletic Treatment, Injury, and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program (NATION-SP) from 2011/12 to 2013/14 to identify risk factors and associations of injuries in high school football athletes. The study found that acromioclavicular (AC) sprains were the most common type of injury, while fractures resulted in the greatest time lost due to injury.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 2011/12 to 2013/14 from the National Athletic Treatment, Injury, and Outcomes Network Surveillance Program (NATION-SP).
  • A total of 460 injuries were found in the dataset, with acromioclavicular (AC) sprains being the most common type of injury (0.060 injuries per 1000 exposures).
  • Fractures led to the greatest time lost (42.24 days) due to injury.
  • Most injuries occurred in older athletes (juniors and seniors, 30% and 32%, respectively).
  • 31% of injuries were related to tackling, and 15% each were related to running back and linebacker positions.
  • The study's findings can be used to educate players, coaches, and families about injury risks and improve injury prevention guidelines.

Statistics:

  • 460 total injuries were found in the dataset.
  • Acromioclavicular (AC) sprains had an incidence of 0.060 injuries per 1000 exposures.
  • Fractures resulted in 42.24 days of time lost due to injury.
  • Juniors and seniors accounted for 30% and 32% of all injuries, respectively.
  • 31% of injuries were related to tackling, and 15% each were related to running back and linebacker positions.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Sports Medicine Study Findings Recently Were Reported by Researchers at George Washington University (Shoulder, Upper Arm and Elbow Injuries In High School Men's American Football). Health & Medicine Week. October 14, 2022; p 4220.
  • Gupta, P., et al. (2022). Shoulder, Upper Arm and Elbow Injuries In High School Men's American Football. Research in Sports Medicine, 2022:1-8.

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