NATA Injury Information

 

 

Injury Surveillance Study

 

1995-97 Injury Surveillance Overview

 

Purpose

 

The NATA began its three-year injury surveillance study in 1995 to determine the trends of high school injuries in 10 sports. The benefit of this knowledge permits NATA's 17,000+ certified athletic trainers (ATCs) nationwide to provide the latest techniques of evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation to meet the needs of their athletes.

 

Specifically, over a three-year period, researchers for the NATA will determine trends in "time-loss" injuries, which require a player to suspend athletic activity for more than one day.

NATA’s injury surveillance study supports the professional goal of its certified athletic trainer members: to be experts in providing quality healthcare for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries.

 

Scope of the Study

 

Study results from each season and sport will be released in a timely manner. The sports researched through the study include football, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, boys and girls soccer, field hockey and volleyball.

 

Season Schedule for 10 Sports Researched

 

SPORT GENDER SEASON SCHEDULE
Football Boys August 1 - December 15
Basketball Boys October 1 - August 15
Basketball Girls September 1 - April 15
Wrestling Boys October 15 -April 15
Field Hockey Girls August 1 - December 1
Volleyball Girls September 1 - June 1
Soccer Boys September 1 - June 1
Soccer Girls September 1 - June 1
Baseball Male September 1 - July 15
Softball Female September 1 - July 15

 

NATA Profile

 

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is a not-for-profit organization with more than 23,000 members nationwide. The NATA is committed to advancing, encouraging and improving the athletic training profession.

 

Founded in 1950 with a membership of approximately 200 athletic trainers, the NATA is based in Dallas, Texas, and provides a variety of services to its membership, including continuing education, governmental affairs and public relations. The NATA also publishes the Journal of Athletic Training, a quarterly scientific journal, and the NATA News, a monthly magazine for members.

 

More than 92 percent of all certified athletic trainers in the nation are members of the NATA. To become a certified athletic trainer, one must acquire a four-year degree and pass a three-part exam administered by the NATA Board of Certification. Nearly 100 colleges and universities offer an accredited athletic training curriculum. In 1990, the American Medical Association recognized athletic training as an allied health profession, and in 1998, the AMA recommended certified athletic trainers be part of the health care unit at every high school.

 

For more information, contact the NATA at 214.637.6282 or write:

NATA
2952 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75247

 

 

1995-97 Injury Surveillance Glossary

 

Types of Injuries

 

  • General Trauma: Abrasions, contusions, lacerations, bursitis, muscle cramps/spasms, etc.
  • Neurotrauma: Injuries specific to nerves, such as spinal cord contusion, brachial plexus injury, etc.
  • Thermotrauma: Heat-related problems including heat illnesses, sunburns and friction blisters.
  • Sprains: Injuries to the ligamentous tissue about the joint.
  • Strains: Injuries to the muscles and tendons.
  • Fractures: Injuries that involve some type of bone trauma.
  • Musculoskeletal: Includes a variety of musculoskeletal injuries such as inflammations, tumors, cysts, etc.
  • Illness: General conditions related to such illnesses as communicable and non-communicable disease, stress, etc.
  • Body Categories
  • Head/Neck/Spine: Includes concussion, sprains of joints in the vertebral column, and injuries to the neck muscles.
  • Face/Scalp: Includes injuries to the tissue about the skull.
  • Shoulder/Arm: Includes injuries to the shoulder girdle, axilla and upper arm.
  • Forearm/Wrist/Hand: Includes all types of injuries from the elbow through the thumb and fingers.
  • Torso: Includes injuries to the musculature of the chest, abdomen and back. It also covers the internal organs.
  • Hip/Thigh/Leg: Includes a variety of injuries to the lower extremity excluding the knee, ankle and foot.
  • Knee: Injuries to the knee, including the menisci and patella.
  • Ankle/Foot: Includes injuries from the distal end of the tibia and fibula through the toes.
  • Other: Includes non-specific or system illness.

 

Injury Categories

 

Minor: Any injury that causes a player to be removed from the remainder of the current session (practice or game). The player returns to activity within seven days.

 

Moderate: The player is removed from the current session and does not return to activity for 8 to 21 days.

 

Major: The player is removed from the current session and does not return to activity for more than 21 days.

 

In addition, the following injuries are reportable even though the player is not removed from the session and does not miss any regularly scheduled sessions:

  • Any fracture
  • Any dental injury, including fillings, luxations and fractures
  • Any mild brain injury if it requires cessation of a player's participation for observation before returning to play.

 

 

Baseball/Softball

 

High School Baseball, Softball Injury Risks Can Match Those in Football

 

For Immediate Release
Contact: Teresa Foster Welch (d)214.637.6282

 

DALLAS - The proportion of injuries that require surgery to high school baseball or softball players is nearly the same as those that send high school football players to the operating room, according to the first phase of a study by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).

 

The three-year study researched injuries recorded by certified athletic trainers for 110 high school baseball teams and 105 high school softball teams. The study is designed to show trends on what, when, how and where injuries occur to high school baseball and softball players. It is conducted by John Powell, PhD, ATC.

 

"Because neither baseball nor softball are considered to be contact sports like football, it surprises parents and coaches that the proportion of injuries that result in surgery is very similar for baseball, softball and football," Powell said. "These statistics indicate that student athletes in baseball and softball are equally well served by the ATC in supervising programs that will minimize the risk of re-injury."

 

According to a 1995 study of high school football injuries, 1.4 percent of the injuries surveyed required surgery as treatment. Approximately the same percentage of high school baseball (1.1 percent) and softball (1.4 percent) players also required surgery.

 

Other important results of the study show female softball players are more likely to be injured while fielding (32.4%) than their male counterparts in baseball (19.4%). On the other hand, baseball players are more likely to be injured while throwing (20.4%) than softball players (11.0%). Additionally, injuries to the player's forearms, wrists or hands account for 25.1 percent of baseball injuries and 24.2 percent of softball injuries. Only 10 percent of the baseball and 9.3 percent of the softball injuries were re-injuries.

 

"Evidence from this study on baseball and softball injuries further supports one of the NATA's overall viewpoints," said NATA President Kent Falb, ATC, PT, head athletic trainer for the Detroit Lions. "No matter whether it's a professional or a high school sport, an ATC's presence plays a pivotal role in the education of athletes and coaches on the prevention and rehabilitation of injury."

 

Yet less than 42 percent of U.S. high schools have access to a certified athletic trainer (ATC) to teach student athletes how to prevent injuries and to recognize and treat the injuries that do occur, according to the NATA.

 

The NATA, based in Dallas, provides the latest research and techniques to its 17,000+ certified members, who are experts in providing quality healthcare for the physically active.

The NATA was founded in 1950 and today serves more than 23,000 athletic trainers worldwide.

 

1995 High School Baseball Injury Results

 

What are the most common injuries in high school baseball?

General Trauma         36.6%
Strains 32.7
Sprains 16.2
Musculo-Skeletal 6.2

 

Where do high school baseball injuries occur?

Forearm/Wrist/Hand         24.2%
Shoulder/Arm 18.9
Hip/Thigh/Leg 16.8
Face/Scalp 11.2
Ankle/Foot 10.9

 

Which players, by position, incur the most injuries?

Pitchers         21.6%
Centerfielders 10.5
Shortstops 8.6
Catchers 8.6
Rightfielders 8.6

 

What are the percentages of major, moderate and minor injuries?

Major         10.3%
Moderate 12.7
Minor 77.0

 

Are injuries more likely to occur during practices or games?

Practices         52.2%
Games 47.8

 

What percentage of injuries are new or recurring?

New injuries         90.0%
Recurring 10.0

 

1995 High School Softball Injury Results

 

What are the most common injuries in high school softball?

General Trauma         24.5%
Strains 31.3
Sprains 24.5
Musculo-Skeletal 9.3

 

Where do high school softball injuries occur?

Forearm/Wrist/Hand         25.1%
Shoulder/Arm 13.7
Hip/Thigh/Leg 17.0
Face/Scalp 9.6
Ankle/Foot 14.6

 

Which players, by position, incur the most injuries?

Pitchers         16.9%
Centerfielders 15.4
Shortstops 11.8
Catchers 7.4
Rightfielders 7.4

 

What are the percentages of major, moderate and minor injuries?

Major         7.2%
Moderate 14.6
Minor 78.2

 

Are injuries more likely to occur during practices or games?

Practices         59.4%
Games 40.6

 

What percentage of injuries are new or recurring?

New injuries         90.7%
Recurring 9.3

 

 

Basketball Injury

 

High School Basketball Players Risk Injury

For Immediate Release
Contact: Teresa Foster Welch (d)214.637.6282

 

DALLAS - Two players on every high school basketball team in the country, regardless of gender, are likely to be injured during a season, according to the first phase of a study by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

 

Yet less than 42 percent of U.S. high schools have access to a certified athletic trainer (ATC) to teach student athletes how to prevent injuries and to recognize and treat the injuries that do occur, according to the NATA.

 

The three-year study researched injuries recorded by certified athletic trainers for 125 high school girls basketball teams and 131 boys teams. The study is designed to show trends on what, when, how and where injuries occur to high school basketball players. It is conducted by John Powell, PhD, ATC.

Results indicate most injuries occur when players are scrambling for loose balls (36.3% for girls; 34.4% for boys), followed by controlled pattern activity and rebounding. In addition, sprains (44.2% for girls; 44.6% for boys) are the most common injuries and are most frequently incurred in the ankles and feet (36% for girls; 38.3% for boys).

 

“A study to determine injury trends at the high school level is unique and serves many purposes,” said NATA President Kent Falb, ATC, PT, head athletic trainer for the Detroit Lions. “Based on these results, NATA’s 17,000 certified athletic trainers can anticipate injuries and educate students to prevent them. The fewer injuries a player sustains, the better his or her career will be.”

 

Between 1986 and 1988, the NATA conducted an identical study. Comparing recent results to those recorded a decade ago, the most significant change occurred in the severity of injuries. Total projected combined statistics for injuries that removed athletes of both sexes from participation for more than seven days decreased approximately 31 percent from 65,317 to 40,390.

 

“The decrease in the severity of injuries at schools that provide the services of an ATC makes a strong statement to high school communities across the country,” Powell said. “NATA has a history of providing applicable research and preventative solutions to its members for maintaining the best quality of care for their students.”

 

The NATA, based in Dallas, provides the latest research and techniques to its 17,000+ certified members, who are experts in providing quality healthcare for the physically active.

The NATA was founded in 1950 and today serves more than 23,000 athletic trainers worldwide.


1995 High School Basketball Injury Results

What are the most common injuries in high school basketball?

              Males Females
General Trauma 26.5% 19.6%
Sprains 44.6 44.2
Strains 13.3 16.2

 

Where do high school basketball injuries occur?

              Males Females
Ankle/Foot 38.3% 36.0%
Hip/Thigh/Leg 14.7 16.6
Knee 10.3 13.0
Forearm/Wrist/Hand 11.5 11.2
Face/Scalp 12.2 8.8

 

What basketball activities lead to injury most frequently?

              Males Females
Scrambling for loose balls 34.4% 36.3%
Controlled pattern activity 27.8 32.6
Rebounding 26.0 30.8

 

What are the percentages of major, moderate and minor injuries?

              Males Females
Major 8.2% 9.0%
Moderate 12.4 15.1
Minor 79.4 76.0

 

Are injuries more likely to occur during practices or games?

              Males Females
Practices 58.0% 54.0%
Games 42.0 46.0

 

What percentage of injuries require surgery?

              Males Females
2.6% 3.0%

 

How many injuries requiring surgery are to the knee?

              Males Females
44.4% 50.0%

 

 

Football Injury

 

Football Injury Severity Lessening, Study Shows

For Immediate Release
Contact: Teresa Foster Welch (d)214.637.6282

 

DALLAS - Approximately 39 percent of varsity high school football players were injured during the 1995 season, but the severity of those injuries may be lessening, according to the first phase of a study by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).

 

The three-year study researched injuries recorded by certified athletic trainers for 123 high school football teams. The study - the first of its kind since 1988 - is designed to show trends on what, when, how and where injuries occur to high school football players. It is conducted by John Powell, PhD, ATC.

"While results for the 1995 football season are similar to those we found during the earlier study, there were some very encouraging findings that we will be watching more closely over the next two years to determine whether they are, in fact, trends," Powell said.

 

Powell said the number of moderate and major injuries appears to have decreased, while minor injuries have increased. "There is no noteworthy change in the number of overall injuries; however, in games during 1995, players suffered approximately 8.5 percent more minor injuries; about 5.7 percent fewer moderate injuries; and 3 percent fewer major injuries than the three-year average of our previous study," he said.

 

A second encouraging area for certified athletic trainers is the lower portion of re-injuries compared to first-time injuries.

 

"Nearly 93 percent of football injuries in the study are characterized as `new injuries'," Powell said. "It is impossible to prevent all injuries in sports, although good medical care and preventive techniques can help to reduce the risk of injury.

 

"In the case of re-injury, early intervention and appropriate rehabilitation by a comprehensive sports medicine team can have an even greater impact, resulting in fewer re-injuries."

 

The hip/thigh/leg continues to be the area of the body most frequently injured (17.3%), followed by the forearm/wrist/hand (15%), knee (14.5%), and ankle/foot (14.2%). General trauma is the most common type of injury (29.3%), with sprains following (27.4%) and then strains (21.7%).

 

In games, the offensive lineup receives the largest number of injuries, with 55.5%, while the defensive team sustains 35.8% of the injuries, and special teams receive 4.3%.

 

The majority of injuries occur during practice, with only about 39% happening in games. Powell attributes the statistic to the fact that practices occur much more frequently than games.

 

NATA President Kent Falb, ATC, PT, head athletic trainer for the Detroit Lions, said the study will help reduce the risk of injury for football players.

 

"We believe the information from this study will provide direction for researchers who are seeking ways to further minimize the risk of injury in high school athletics, as well as for those working to develop enhanced treatment and rehabilitation for injuries that do occur."

 

The NATA, based in Dallas, provides the latest research and techniques to its 17,000+ certified members, who are experts in providing quality healthcare for the physically active.

 

The NATA was founded in 1950 and today serves more than 23,000 athletic trainers worldwide.

 

1995 High School Football Injury Results

What are the most common injuries in high school football?

General Trauma         29.3%
Strains 21.7
Sprains 27.4
Musculo-Skeletal 1.5
Neurotrauma 8.1
Fractures 5.7
General Illness 4.7
Thermotrauma 1.6

 

Where do high school football injuries occur?

Forearm/Wrist/Hand         15.0%
Shoulder/Arm 10.4
Hip/Thigh/Leg 17.3
Face/Scalp 2.9
Ankle/Foot 14.2
Knee 14.5
Head/Neck/Spine 11.3
Torso 8.8
Other 5.6

 

What are the percentages of major, moderate and minor injuries?

Major         8.4%
Moderate 11.0
Minor 80.6

 

Are injuries more likely to occur during practices or games?

Practices         61.2%
Games 38.8

 

National High School Sports Injury Registry
1995 Football Exposure Summary Table

1986-1988, 1995 NATA Football Injury Surveillance Results

      1986       1987       1988       3-Year       1995
Schools 105 134 112 117 123
Games 1,513 2,007 1,740 1,753 1,540
A-E 55,921 71,264 56,048 61,078 52,700
Practices 8,120 10,426 8,742 9,096 7,857
A-E 369,345 476,393 361,804 402,514 327,622
Total Sess. 9,633 12,433 10,482 10,849 9,397
Total A-E       425,266       547,657       417,852       463,592       380,322

 

 

Soccer Injury

 

Study Shows There's More to Soccer Than Meets the Eye

For Immediate Release
Contact: Teresa Foster Welch (d)214.637.6282

 

DALLAS - More than 23 percent of high school soccer players, regardless of gender, are likely to sustain at least one time-loss injury during a season. Yet, according to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), less than half of all U.S. high school athletic programs have certified athletic trainers available to prevent, recognize and treat injuries.

 

These results appear in the first phase of a three-year study by the NATA, the nation's leader in healthcare for the physically active. The research is based on injuries recorded by ATCs for 95 high school male soccer teams and 83 female soccer teams. Its purpose is to indicate trends on what, when, how and where injuries occur to high school soccer players.

 

Results indicate that female halfbacks are more likely to suffer game-related injuries (37.4%) than their male counterparts (31.8%). Furthermore, high school fullbacks (22.6% for females; 31.8% for males) and goalkeepers (12% for females; 7.8% for males) are likely to sustain game-related injuries. In addition, most injuries to high school players occur to the ankles and feet (30.5% for females; 30.2% for males), followed by the hip, thigh and leg area (26.9% for females; 29.1% for males).

 

"The specific statistics from NATA's soccer injury surveillance study serve as an alert to the parents and coaches of high school athletes," said NATA President Kent Falb, ATC, PT, head athletic trainer for the Detroit Lions. "By securing an ATC within a high school athletic program, schools will help reduce the risk of injuries and educate their physically active students about their health."

 

Study results indicate that kicking is the most common cause of soccer injuries (23.4% for females; 19.3% for males), followed by dribbling (14.3% for females; 16% for males). In addition, most injuries occur when players are participating in controlled pattern activity (32.9% for females; 32.2% for males), followed by scrambling for loose balls (34.6% for females; 29.2% for males).

 

"Statistics derived from the NATA's injury surveillance study also serve as a tool for the organization's 17,000 certified athletic trainers to anticipate possible injuries," said study director John Powell, PhD, ATC. "Specifically, the research findings further assist ATCs in educating high school athletes on the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries."

 

The NATA, based in Dallas, provides the latest research and techniques to its 17,000+ certified members, who are experts in providing quality healthcare for the physically active.

The NATA was founded in 1950 and today serves more than 23,000 athletic trainers worldwide.

 

1995 High School Soccer Injury Results

 

What are the most common injuries in high school soccer?

Males Females
General Trauma   30.5%   29.1%
Sprains   26.6   31.0
Strains   26.1   24.5

 

Where do high school soccer injuries occur?

Males Females
Ankle/Foot   30.2%   30.5%
Hip/Thigh/Leg   29.1   26.9
Knee   14.0   17.6
Torso   7.3   5.3
Forearm/Wrist/Hand   7.2   4.5

 

Which players, by position, incur the most injuries?

Males Females
Halfbacks   31.8%   37.4%
Fullbacks   31.5   22.6
Forward line   28.7   28.0
Goalkeeper   7.8   12.0

 

What are the percentages of major, moderate and minor injuries?

Males Females
Major   8.6%   11.4%
Moderate   11.5   12.9
Minor   79.9   75.7

 

Are injuries more likely to occur during practices or games?

Males Females
Practices   43.7%   39.7%
Games   56.3   60.3

 

What percentage of injuries require surgery?

Males Females
  2.0%   3.1%

 

How many injuries requiring surgery are to the knee?

Males Females
  0.7%   2.4%

 

 

Volleyball Injury

 

Study Pinpoints Likely Injuries To High School Volleyball Players

For Immediate Release
Contact: Teresa Foster Welch (d)214.637.6282

DALLAS - Game-related injuries to high school females playing volleyball most likely will strike their ankles or feet during jumping, spiking or blocking, according to the first phase of a study by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).

 

The three-year study researched injuries recorded by certified athletic trainers for 87 high school volleyball teams across the country. The study is designed to show trends on what, when, how and where injuries occur to high school volleyball players. It is conducted by John Powell, PhD, ATC.

Specifically, the first phase of the study shows 65.7 percent of ankle and foot injuries to high school volleyball players happen during a spiking or blocking attempt.

 

"It's vitally important for parents and school representatives to realize the impact of a sports-related injury, regardless of its severity, and the power they have to prevent it," Powell said. "Injuries have negative repercussions beyond the injured athlete and his or her career. It impacts performance of his or her team, all of which can be minimized with access to an ATC."

 

Yet less than 42 percent of U.S. high schools have access to a certified athletic trainer (ATC) to teach student athletes how to prevent injuries and to recognize and treat the injuries that do occur, according to the NATA.

 

Overall, the study indicates female volleyball players at the high school level are most likely to injure their ankles and feet (35.6%); hips, thighs or legs (16.2%); or forearms, wrists or hands (15.8%). In addition, experts say the most common injuries normally are sprains, instant injuries to muscles (48.6%); or strains, a traumatic injury to a ligament or joint that appears more gradually (25.5%).

In addressing study findings on the more common ankle and foot injuries in high school volleyball, ATCs recommend players and their parents consider:

  • Focusing on the strength and conditioning of muscles used for jumping, as well as the lower legs;
  • Ensuring that footwear used is properly designed and fitted, as shoes that don't fit allow too much or not enough movement of the foot;
  • Encouraging schools to use an ATC to provide early identification and proper management of minor injuries to minimize the risk of more severe injuries.

 

"The results from our injury surveillance study are an invaluable tool to the association's 23,000 members," said NATA President Kent Falb, ATC, PT, head athletic trainer for the Detroit Lions. "ATCs can actively minimize the risk of the most common injuries to high school athletes through education and participation in the planning of their conditioning programs."

 

The NATA, based in Dallas, provides the latest research and techniques to its 17,000+ certified members, who are experts in providing quality healthcare for the physically active.

The NATA was founded in 1950 and today serves more than 23,000 athletic trainers worldwide.

 

1995 High School Volleyball Injury Results

What are the most common injuries in high school volleyball?

General Trauma     15.0 %
Strains 25.5
Sprains 48.6
Fractures 4.0

 

Where do high school women's volleyball injuries occur?

Forearm/Wrist/Hand     15.8 %
Shoulder/Arm 9.3
Hip/Thigh/Leg 16.2
Ankle/Foot 35.6
Knee 11.3

 

Which players, by position, incur the most injuries?

Setters     27.5 %
Mid-hitters 23.5
Outside hitters 23.5
Back-court diggers 19.6

 

What are the percentages of major, moderate and minor injuries?

Major     5.6 %
Moderate 12.0
Minor 82.5

 

Are injuries more likely to occur during practices or games?

Practices     79.6 %
Games 20.4

 

What percentage of injuries require surgery?

    1.6 %

 

 

Wrestling Injury

 

High School Wrestlers Risk Contagious Skin Conditions

For Immediate Release
Contact: Teresa Foster Welch (d)214.637.6282

 

DALLAS - One in four high school wrestling teams are projected to be affected by one of numerous skin conditions, most commonly ringworm, according to recent statistics from the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).

 

These results appear in the first phase of a three-year study that researched injuries recorded by certified athletic trainers for 106 high school wrestling teams. The study is designed to show trends on what, when, how and where injuries occur to high school wrestlers. It is conducted by John Powell, PhD, ATC.

 

Results indicate the skin conditions are transferred on wrestling mats or from the physical contact between competitors. Ringworm - a fungal infection appearing as a ring-shaped, discolored patch on the skin - accounts for 83.8 percent of the skin maladies, followed by impetigo, a bacterial infection that looks like a blister, at 6.8 percent. The remaining 9 percent of skin conditions include dermatitis, inflammation of the skin that can appear in different forms, and other skin infections.

 

"High school athletic programs can actively minimize the risk of the spread of skin conditions to their wrestlers," Powell said. "When there is an ATC present and there are proper sanitation guidelines, the problem is minimal."

 

According to the sports medicine and athletic training staff at the University of Iowa - home of one of the country's top wrestling programs and world-renowned training facilities - sanitation guidelines to prevent the transfer of skin conditions through wrestling should include:

  • Clean wrestling mats two to three hours before each practice or competition with an appropriate decontaminant (1:1,000 bleach solution or 1/4 cup per gallon warm water);
  • Wipe clean all weight training equipment upholstery after each use with decontamination spray;
  • Wear clean workout gear with each practice;
  • Do not share towels after showering or otherwise;
  • Shower after every workout, using an antibacterial soap;
  • Report any unusual skin lesions to the coach or ATC;
  • Cover infected areas on the skin with a bioclusive dressing taped into place.

 

High school wrestlers can contract skin conditions during away tournaments at schools that may not have healthcare guidelines for prevention. Athletes who are not educated on the skin maladies and do not report a lesion upon detection can spread it rapidly through competition.

 

"Our goal is to execute a strict program that prevents our wrestlers from contracting and spreading skin conditions. This minimizes the loss of competition time," said Kristen A. Payne, certified athletic trainer for the University of Iowa wrestlers. "If controls of sanitation and early recognition are not enforced within a wrestling program, skin conditions can become a tremendous problem."

 

The NATA, based in Dallas, provides the latest research and techniques to its 17,000+ certified members, who are experts in providing quality healthcare for the physically active.

 

The NATA was founded in 1950 and today serves more than 23,000 athletic trainers worldwide.

 

1995 High School Wrestling Injury Results

What are the most common injuries in high school wrestling?

General Trauma     19.9 %
Strains 22.5
Sprains 29.0
Skin Disorders 11.4

 

Of skin disorders surveyed, which are most commonly transmitted through high school wrestlers?

Ringworm     83.8 %
Impetigo 6.8
Dermatitis 3.4
Skin infection 3.4
Herpes zoster 1.7

 

Where do high school wrestling injuries occur?

Forearm/Wrist/Hand     14.1 %
Shoulder/Arm 17.3
Knee 13.8
Torso 11.9
Head/Neck/Spine 9.7

 

What are the major causes of injuries to wrestlers?

Direct Impact     32.7 %
Torsion 15.4
Stretching 15.4
Indirect Force 10.7

 

What are the percentages of major, moderate and minor injuries?

Major     13.0 %
Moderate 15.4
Minor 71.6

 

Are injuries more likely to occur during practices or games?

Practices     67.4 %
Games 32.6

 

 

1986 to 1988 Injury Surveillance Study Highlights

 

The National Athletic Trainers' Association conducted an injury surveillance study of high school athletics from 1986 to 1988, surveying injuries in football, boys and girls basketball and wrestling in more than 100 schools nationwide. The following are some results of that study.

Football

  • An average of 331,865 high school football players were sidelined by injury at least once each year. When multiple injuries are included, the average annual injury count in football between 1986 and 1988 was 552,229.
  • The most prevalent injuries (17.4%) affected the hip and thigh. The second most prevalent injuries (16%) were to the ankle and foot.
  • The most common classification of injuries (28.2%) was general trauma. Sprains were second most common (28%).
  • A large majority (72.5%) of all injuries were classified as "minor," meaning the player was sidelined for seven days or less. Moderate injuries, which sidelined players for eight to 21 days, accounted for 16.7% of the injuries. Another 10.8% of all injuries were classified as major, sidelining the player for more than three weeks.
  • Sixty percent of the injuries occurred during practice; 40% during games.

 

Boys' Basketball

  • Twenty-two percent of all male basketball players sustained at least one time-loss injury each year.
  • Approximately 42% of the injuries were to the ankle/foot, far outnumbering other injured body categories such as hip/thigh (11%) and knee (9%).
  • Sprains were the most common type of injury (43%). General trauma was the second most common type of injury (22%).
  • Sixty percent of the injuries occurred during practice.
  • Fifty-nine percent of game-related injuries occurred during the second half of the game.

 

Girls' Basketball

  • Twenty-three percent of all female basketball players sustained at least one time-loss injury each year.
  • Ankle-foot injuries accounted for 32% of all injuries. Knee injuries were the second most common (18%).
  • Sprains were the most common type of injury (41%). General trauma injuries were the second most common (18%).
  • Fifty-nine percent of the injuries occurred during practice.
  • Sixty-three percent of game-related injuries occurred during the second half.

 

Wrestling

  • The three most common injuries in wrestling were shoulder/arm, forearm/wrist/hand, and trunk. Each accounted for 16% of all injuries.
  • Sprains were the most common type of injury (30%). General trauma was the second most common type of injury (28%).
  • Sixty-six percent of the injuries occurred during practice.

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