Poster Session

Negative Physical and Mental Effects of Early Sports Specialization In Female Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Casey B. Wrabley, University of Lynchburg

Abstract

Focused Clinical Question: How does sports specialization before the age of fourteen negatively affect female athletes, physically and mentally, compared to multi-sport athletes? Clinical Bottom Line: There is consistent evidence to support the idea that sports specialization in early adolescence negatively affects female athletes by increasing the risk of injury, burnout, and other psychological and physical conditions. Educational interventions should be created to inform athletes, parents, coaches, and athletic trainers about these dangers and how to avoid these types of negative effects. Summary of Key Findings: After a thorough literature review, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. These 5 studies concluded that early sports specialization, before the age of 14, negatively impacted female athletes’ physical and mental health.

This paper has been withdrawn.
 
Apr 6th, 12:00 PM Apr 6th, 1:15 PM

Negative Physical and Mental Effects of Early Sports Specialization In Female Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center

Focused Clinical Question: How does sports specialization before the age of fourteen negatively affect female athletes, physically and mentally, compared to multi-sport athletes? Clinical Bottom Line: There is consistent evidence to support the idea that sports specialization in early adolescence negatively affects female athletes by increasing the risk of injury, burnout, and other psychological and physical conditions. Educational interventions should be created to inform athletes, parents, coaches, and athletic trainers about these dangers and how to avoid these types of negative effects. Summary of Key Findings: After a thorough literature review, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. These 5 studies concluded that early sports specialization, before the age of 14, negatively impacted female athletes’ physical and mental health.