Sport Injury Prevention

Preventing Injury During Exercise

With the large number of sports available, exercise can turn into an engaging and fun activity. When children turn 1 or 2 they will be able to throw balls, but they will not yet be able to understand the rules of a game. Usually around ages 4 or 5, children may be able to participate in organized and supervised sport activities like soccer or tee-ball. Parents should also consider joining with co-workers or friends to keep up their own favorite sports.

With all the fun it is to play sports, there are safety precautions to take. The following will help you learn more about what cautions to take in preventing sport-related injuries for yourself or for your child.

The following chart shows the number of injuries from 1980 to 1981 (in thousands) that happened in the U.S. due to the sport mentioned in the left column. Some of the numbers are not a very good estimate since only a limited number of sports injuries were reported. Many people did not require emergency room attention so numbers are low. However, it is good to know which sports could be dangerous for you and your child.

Source: National Injury Information Clearinghouse: Safety: Second Edition. Alton L. Thygerson. 1992.

There are three main ways to prevent sport-related injuries:

• Strengthen your muscles. In addition to the sport you are participating in, lift weights to train the parts of your body that will be used most in that sport. Professional baseball players are training throughout the winter, long before the major leagues of baseball start in the spring. They train their heart by running. They train their arm and leg strength by lifting weights. They also practice sliding to plates so that the joints and flexibility needed to do this skill are ready for the real game. Do the best you can to prepare your body for the sport you want to pursue.


• Use protective equipment needed for the sport you are playing. For example, when playing racquetball, you should wear eye guards. When playing football, be sure to wear the right shoulder pads needed for your position on the team. You should also make sure that they are your correct size or they will not protect you as well.


• Know the proper rules of the game. Those who do not understand the sport will most likely have more injuries than the person that has been playing it for a longer period of time.

Have fun, and remember, “Safety First”!

Disclaimer:
Exercise is not without its risks and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury in your case, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. The advice presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical consultation. The Utah County Health Department/WIC Program disclaim any liability from and in connection with this program. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a physician.