Factors That Drive Youth Specialization

摘要

Background: Specialization in young athletes has been linked to overuse injuries, burnout, and decreased satisfaction. Despite continued opposition from the medical community, epidemiological studies suggest the frequency is increasing.Hypothesis: Extrinsic pressures in addition to individual aspirations drive this national trend in sports specialization. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3.Methods: A novel instrument assessing the driving factors behind youth specialization was generated by an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals. Surveys were administered to patients and athletes in the department's sports medicine clinic.