Previous injury, sex and well-being are associated with injury profiles in 422 adolescent elite athletes of age 15–16 years: a 20-week longitudinal study

Abstract

Background Adolescent elite athletes have a high injury risk and many risk factors for injury have been suggested. However, there is a lack of prospective studies in adolescent elite athletes of age 15–16 years.Aim The aim of the study was to prospectively explore risk factors associated with different injury prevalence profiles in adolescent elite athletes.Methods Substantial injury was monitored in adolescent elite athletes (n=422) using the validated Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire over 20 weeks. Athletes were categorised in tertiles based on injury prevalence.Results The median substantial injury prevalence for all athletes was 10% (IQR 0%–20%). Compared with the ‘no injury’ group, previous injury (p<0.001, OR 3.91) and well-being (p<0.001, OR 0.93) were associated with the ‘high injury’ group, and previous injury (p=0.006, OR 1.96) and being a female athlete (p=0.002, OR 2.08) with the ‘low injury’ group. A female athlete with a previous injury and low perceived well-being (25th percentile) had a 48% risk (95% CI 36% to 59%) of belonging to the ‘high injury’ group, compared with 7% (95% CI 4% to 12%) for a male athlete with no previous injury and high well-being (75th percentile).Conclusion Medical personnel should be aware of the high injury risk and risk factors for injury in adolescent elite athletes, and closely monitor the rehabilitation post-injury as a previous injury is such a strong risk factor for a new injury.