The number of traumatic brain injuries in youth basketball has increased by 70 percent over the past decade, possibly due to the increased size of players and competitiveness, according to a HealthDay report.
Researchers used data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's national electronic injury surveillance system to estimate the number of children injured while playing basketball between 1997 and 2007. The research found that on average, over 375,000 youth patients were treated for injuries every year.
The total number of injuries decreased by 20 percent, but the number of brain injuries increased by 70 percent. Children between the ages of five and 10 were most likely to suffer concussions.
Read the HealthDay report on traumatic brain injuries in youth basketball.
Read other coverage on youth sports medicine:
- ImPACT Assessment Evaluates Cognitive, Physical Concussion Symptoms
- Indianapolis' Riley Hospital for Children Develops youth Sports Medicine Program
- How Physicians Can Help Decrease Injuries in Young Athletes: Q&A With Rothman Institute's Michael Ciccotti
Researchers used data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's national electronic injury surveillance system to estimate the number of children injured while playing basketball between 1997 and 2007. The research found that on average, over 375,000 youth patients were treated for injuries every year.
The total number of injuries decreased by 20 percent, but the number of brain injuries increased by 70 percent. Children between the ages of five and 10 were most likely to suffer concussions.
Read the HealthDay report on traumatic brain injuries in youth basketball.
Read other coverage on youth sports medicine:
- ImPACT Assessment Evaluates Cognitive, Physical Concussion Symptoms
- Indianapolis' Riley Hospital for Children Develops youth Sports Medicine Program
- How Physicians Can Help Decrease Injuries in Young Athletes: Q&A With Rothman Institute's Michael Ciccotti