Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Mark Romanick

Keywords

Adolescent; Athletic Injuries -- epidemiology; Child; Child, Preschool

Abstract

PROBLEM: Sports and recreational injuries among youth is constantly being reviewed, and ways to prevent or decrease their incidence is an ongoing goal. The purpose of this study was to examine and provide information regarding the epidemiology of sports and recreation-related injuries in the pediatric population (ages 0-19) in the Grand Forks, ND area. This study is a continuation of a previous 10-year study; adding data retrieved within this current study would combine for 15 years of epidemiological data of those that presented to the Altru Emergency Department in Grand Forks, ND.

METHODS: This retrospective study involved examining Altru Department Emergency records included within a compiled list that was created by the Altru data department. This list used designated E-codes chosen by researchers along with the age range 0-19 years old. Following examining each record on the compiled list of potential study subjects, inclusion into the study was decided. The incident was to be included into the study if the injury fits within the established criteria: pediatric sport or recreational injury. Additional information from the incident was recorded within an Excel workbook. Following data collection, researchers combined all obtained data and analyzed results.

RESULTS: A total of 419 participants were included within this study. It was found that 51% of injuries included were recreation-related with 49% of included injuries being sport-related. The highest percentage of injures was found in the 10-14 year old age group. It was also observed that males had a higher prevalence of injury compared to the female population. The highest prevalence of injury was found to be the head/neck, face, followed by forearm injuries. Falls were found to be the most common mechanism of injury and fractures were found to be the most common type of injury presenting to the Emergency Department.

CONCLUSION: The purpose of this study was to examine pediatric sport and recreation-related injuries presenting to the Emergency Department in Grand Forks, ND in hopes of forming a prevention strategy for minimizing injury in the future. Further research in this geographical location will need to be performed in order to able to explore trends within this research topic.

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