552 BO09 – Age differences in injury risk factors among youth through collegiate lacrosse players: considerations for early injury prevention

BackgroundEpidemiological data show that musculoskeletal injury incidence escalates among high school and collegiate lacrosse players compared to youth players, but mechanisms underlying this increased risk are unclear.ObjectiveTo assess static and dynamic musculoskeletal injury risks among lacrosse...

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Published in:British journal of sports medicine 2024-03, Vol.58 (Suppl 2), p.A48-A48
Main Authors: Thompson, Zane, Bolling, Jamie, Vincent, Kevin, Vincent, Heather
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age groups
Brief Oral Abstracts
Injury prevention
Risk factors
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Summary:BackgroundEpidemiological data show that musculoskeletal injury incidence escalates among high school and collegiate lacrosse players compared to youth players, but mechanisms underlying this increased risk are unclear.ObjectiveTo assess static and dynamic musculoskeletal injury risks among lacrosse players across age brackets from 10–21 yrs.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsMale and female lacrosse players (N=151) who were stratified into age groups: 10–11.9yrs, 12–14.9yrs, 15–18yrs and >18yrs.Assessment of Risk FactorsFunctional tests were performed to identify potential risks for injury: Thomas test (hip flexibility), Ober’s test (iliotibial band tightness), Ely’s test (rectus femoris tightness), and passive internal-external shoulder rotation in supine position. Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) scores were collected while players performed drop-landings with free hands, using a two-handed short crosse hold, and using a two-handed long crosse hold. Sagittal and frontal plane movement quality during single and double-leg squats was assessed.Main Outcome MeasurementsLESS scores, positive functional test scores, shoulder range of motion, and squat quality scores.ResultsPositive Thomas tests were most prevalent in players 10–11.9yrs (20.8% vs. 0–8.3% in other age groups; p=.045) Single-leg and double-leg squat movement quality test scores were lowest in players 10–11.9yrs and highest in players >18yr (p18yrs]; p=.003). Similarly, LESS scores with the two-handed short stick hold were highest in the youngest players (5.0±1.6 pts) versus remaining groups (4.3±1.8 pts [12–14.9yrs], 4.0±1.9 [15–18yrs] and 3.2±1.6 pts [>18yrs]; p=.006).ConclusionsInjury prevention efforts among developing lacrosse players may need to start before adolescence. Prevention programs may involve hip mobilization and dynamic control during single leg and jumping tasks, especially while carrying a crosse.
ISSN:0306-3674
1473-0480
DOI:10.1136/bjsports-2024-IOC.85