Sports participation related to injuries and illnesses among youth with chronic diseases: results of the Health in Adapted Youth Sports study
Abstract Background: Although sports participation leads to important health enhancement for youth with chronic diseases or physical disabilities (CDPD), it may pose an increased risk for injury or illness. This study investigated the incidence, type, severity and risks to (sports-related) injuries and illnesses among youth with CDPD. Methods: For one calendar year, every two weeks, the characteristics of injuries and illnesses were registered by an online questionnaire and phone-based interview. Physical activity level was measured with the Activ8 during one week. Complete data was available of 103 youngsters with CDPD (61 boys, 42 girls), with a mean age of 14.4 (SD=2.7) years. The personal characteristics, the injury and illness rates per 1000 hours of PA were investigated per group of organized sports participation per week (0, 1 or ≥2 times p/wk). Results: Almost half of the youngsters sustains one or more injuries or illnesses during one year, 46% and 42% resp. The injury rate per 1000 hours of PA between 0, 1 and ≥2 times per week of sports participation was 0.84, 1.88, 133 resp. and the illness rate was 1.87, 1.88 and 1.18 resp. The rates were not statistically different. Most reported health problems had no subsequent restriction (49%) or other minor consequences (21%) in school, physical education or sports participation. Most reported health problems were contusions (41%) at the lower extremity (74%) and flue plus fever (58%). Conclusions: Participation in sports ≥2 times per week does not pose a significant increased risk in the incidence of injury or illness per 1000 hours of PA in youth with CDPD compared to once weekly or no sports participation. Athletes who participate in sports at least twice weekly get injured mostly during their sporting activities, while peers who do participate in sports once a week or not at all, get injured during less intense physical activities during PE lessons, ADL or non-organized sports and play in leisure time. The social impact of injuries or illnesses was limited.