The Results of Orthopaedic Medical Examinations in Adolescent Amateur Weightlifters

Few studies have reported injuries and physical characteristics in adolescent weightlifters. The purpose of this study was to report the results of orthopaedic medical examinations in adolescent amateur weightlifters that were performed cross-sectionally from 2012 to 2019. The orthopaedic medical examination included physical examinations, generalized joint laxity, muscle and joint tightness, static alignment, muscle volume of the lower extremities, and medial longitudinal arch of the foot (the height from the tip of the navicular tubercle to the ground surface). A questionnaire survey regarding pain in the spine and lower extremities was also performed. A total of 99 adolescent weightlifters were included (male/female, 71/28; mean age, 16.2 ± 0.2 years). A total of 9.1% had received orthopaedic treatments, with spine injuries being the most prevalent. Of those who had not received orthopaedic treatments, 31.1% had pain in the spine or lower extremities (for >4 weeks). There were no significant gender differences in the incidence of pain or positive findings of physical examinations. Female weightlifters had a more reduced dorsiflexion of the ankle joint than male weightlifters (p = 0.02). Male weightlifters had a lower flexibility of the quadriceps than female weightlifters. The results of orthopaedic medical examinations in this study may help clinicians and young weightlifters to prevent injuries in competitive weightlifting.

Early Sport Specialization and Relative Age Effect: Prevalence and Influence on Perceived Competence in Ice Hockey Players

The relative age effect (RAE) and early sport specialization (ESS) have been of growing interest in the sports world, especially in ice hockey, because of their potential adverse effects. However, little is known about their distribution within each level of play in Canadian minor ice hockey, or whether they influence young people’s perceived competence, a variable of interest in long-term sports development. A sample of elite adolescent players (N = 204) and a sample of recreational and competitive players (N = 404) were used to measure these constructs, and chi-square tabulations were conducted to compare their distribution. Our results reveal that RAE (χ2 = 20.03, p < 0.01, Cramer’s V = 0.13) and ESS (χ2 = 66.14, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.24) are present, but there are apparently no gender differences in their distributions. Neither the level of RAE nor ESS seems to affect the perceived competence of the players, regardless of gender. The results of this study highlight the presence of RAE and ESS in Canadian minor ice hockey, especially at the elite level, but indicate that they do not affect the self-perception of ice hockey players. Additional research on these concepts is needed to obtain a complete picture of their potential impact on sports development.

Early Sports Specialization in Elite Wrestlers

BACKGROUND

Sports specialization is becoming an increasingly common training strategy in young athletes. Very little research currently exists examining the occurrence of serious injury (>3 months off sport or loss of season) in elite-level wrestlers who specialize early (before age 12 years).

HYPOTHESIS

Wrestlers who specialize early will sustain more serious injuries than wrestlers who specialize at age 12 years or older.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiological study.

METHODS

We sent an anonymous online survey to a total of 312 elite-level wrestlers (National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes and World/Olympic team members) containing questions documenting age of specialization and number of serious injuries sustained. The number of serious injuries both before and after starting college were compared between wrestlers specializing at <12 years old and ≥12 years old using an independent-samples t test. Respondents' opinions on the necessity of early specialization and their primary source of encouragement to specialize were also reported.

RESULTS

A total of 143 wrestlers completed the survey, for a total response rate of 46%. Thirty-six (25%) wrestlers specialized at <12 years old. The early specialization group sustained significantly more serious injuries than the late specialization group (1.14 vs 0.60; P = 0.035). Sixty-two (43%) believed early specialization was necessary to achieve elite-level status. The decision to specialize was encouraged primarily by the athlete (78/143; 55%), parents (37/143; 26%), and coaches (22/143; 15%).

CONCLUSION

Elite wrestlers who specialize prior to age 12 years sustain a greater number of serious injuries before starting college than those who specialize at or after the age of 12 years.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Athletes, coaches, and parents should consider the risk of injury before adopting a wrestling-specialized training strategy at a young age.

AOSSM Early Sport Specialization Consensus Statement

BACKGROUND

Early sport specialization is not a requirement for success at the highest levels of competition and is believed to be unhealthy physically and mentally for young athletes. It also discourages unstructured free play, which has many benefits.

PURPOSE

To review the available evidence on early sports specialization and identify areas where scientific data are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN

Think tank, roundtable discussion.

RESULTS

The primary outcome of this think tank was that there is no evidence that young children will benefit from early sport specialization in the majority of sports. They are subject to overuse injury and burnout from concentrated activity. Early multisport participation will not deter young athletes from long-term competitive athletic success.

CONCLUSION

Youth advocates, parents, clinicians, and coaches need to work together with the sport governing bodies to ensure healthy environments for play and competition that do not create long-term health issues yet support athletic competition at the highest level desired.