Injury prevalence in athletes with physical disabilities who are between the ages of nine and seventeen years

Includes bibliographical references (pages [40])The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify the frequency of injury in relation to sport and disability, (2) to describe the type of injury that occurred and to what body area relative to disability and sport, and (3) to determine the type of medical staff that was available as well as who treated the injuries that occurred to these young athletes with disabilities. This study identified sport-related injuries that occurred to fourteen athletes with physical disabilities who were between nine and seventeen years of age. The availability of medical staff and the treatment of injuries were evaluated from reported data provided by the athletes participating in this investigation. The athletes were participants in three northern Illinois park district special recreation association athletic events. These events included both individual and team sports. A pilot study found that language of the Young Athletes with Disabilities Injury Database (YADID) was appropriate and easy to understand and that the YADID had face validity. Six athletes and their parents evaluated the appropriateness and ease of understanding of the language. A panel of four professionals established the face validity and indicated that minimal reorganization was needed. Fourteen of 22 athletes completed and returned registration forms as well as event reports. Three athletes reported a total of four injuries. Soft tissue injuries to the upper body were identified as the most common type of injury. The injuries were of an acute nature, and therefore the athlete and parent were able to treat the injuries themselves without the need for medical attention. No medical staff was hired to treat injuries that occurred to the athletes who participated in this investigation.M.S. Ed. (Master of Education