Citation

Agel J, Schisel J. Clin. J. Sport. Med. 2013; 23(1): 33-38.

Affiliation

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JSM.0b013e3182717983

PMID

23160274

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: The objective of this article was to explore the differences in practice injury rates for select National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports within and across sport by preseason, in-season, and postseason. This article will explore the relationship of practice injury rates by fall, winter, and spring sports as well as by divisions I, II, and III. DESIGN:: Descriptive Epidemiology Study, Setting: NCAA schools. PATIENTS:: NCAA athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:: Injury. RESULTS:: In all sports across all seasons, preseason practice injury rates [6.3 per 1000 athletic exposure (A-E)] were higher than in-season (2.3 per 1000 A-E). Fall sports had an overall preseason practice injury rate of 7.4 (per 1000 A-E) compared with 7.0 (per 1000 A-E) for winter and 3.5 (per 1000 A-E) for spring sports. Women's soccer had the highest preseason injury rate of 9.5 (per 1000 A-E). Men's football had the highest increased risk of injury comparing preseason with in-season practice injury (3.47 per 1000 A-E). CONCLUSIONS:: The recognition that preseason practice injury rates are higher compared with in-season and postseason practice injury rates can create an opportunity for athletes, coaches, and medical personnel to identify prevention strategies to reduce preseason injury risk.

Language: en