Injury Prevention Programs

During the 2013-2014 academic year, high school athletes suffered more than 300,000 lower-limb injuries requiring medical attention and suspension of play for at least one day (according to the Colorado School of Public Health Pediatric Injury Prevention, Education and Research Program).

Yet a recent study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport claims that only a mere 10 percent of high school coaches have adopted Injury Prevention Programs (IPP) to reduce these types of injuries.

A solid IPP might include 15 to 20 minutes of stretching and strengthening exercises for hips, legs and thighs, along with jump-training to practice soft landings and minimize impact to the knees. The exercises are meant to be done three to four times a week before a practice or games.

This recent study involved 66 head coaches of basketball and soccer teams at 15 different high schools in Oregon. The online survey gauged their knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding IPPs.

Highlights include:

• 14 coaches reported using one of the IPPs, with six claiming they implemented the IPP exactlly as designed.
• Coaches of girls' teams reported to be more aware of IPPs than coaches of boys' teams.
• Coaches who did not use an IPP said the programs offered no advantage to their current training methods, were not compatible with their needs, or seemed difficult to implement.

Most exercises in an IPP have been developed to decrease serious injuries like ACL/Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears, but they are also helpful in reducing more common ones such as sprains and muscle strains.

Coaches interested in implementing an IPP for their team are encouraged to check with health care providers, such as orthopedic specialists, to learn about what type of program would most benefit their young athletes.

(Adapted from Reuters Health)

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).

Avoiding New Year Resolution Fitness Injuries

If you made a resolution this New Year, chances are it has something to do with getting healthy. Often this means a fitness-related goal. I will go to the gym every day. Or, I will run a 10K this Spring. However, without proper preparation or training, the good intentioned resolution can lead to injury - leaving you sidelined for weeks or months.

In fact, Texas Orthopedics physical therapists and physicians see a spike in fitness-related injuries in January and February.

Here are three ways to avoid injury while being more physically active in the New Year from physical therapist, John Key.

1) Slowly work into a new exercise routine. Intensity and frequency are two things that drive results. But, initiated too soon, it can also set you up to be sidelined. How do you know what's too much? Soreness during and soon after exercise is a good indication that you're doing too much too soon. Important: Stop exercising if you feel sharp, acute pain. This is never a good thing.

2) Make sure the shoe fits. If beginning a running or jogging program, proper fit and shoe type are great ways to avoid low back, knee, and foot problems that arise from improper form or fit during physical activity.

3) Warm up and cool down. A slow but progressive dynamic warm up with full range functional movement plays a key role in avoiding injury PRE-activity. Follow your regimen with a light cool down and static prolonged stretching for flexibility.


If you have a prior injury and are not sure about a fitness program, make an appointment with one of our physicians.