Keshia M. Pollack, MPH, HPM/Injury Control, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, RM 539, Baltimore, MD 21205, 410-955-2226, kpollack@jhsph.edu, Cynthia Gazal-Carvalho, MD, PhD, HPM/ Injury Control, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, RM 539, Baltimore, MD 21105, Michelle Canham-Chervak, MPH, Injury Prevention Program, U.S. CHPPM, 5158 Blackhawk Rd, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403, Susan P. Baker, MPH, Center for Injury Research and Policy, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, 624 North Broadway, 5th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21205, and Bruce H. Jones, MD, MPH, USA CHPPM (ATTN: MCHB-TS-DI), Injury Prevention Program, 5158 Blackhawk Rd, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403.

As with other young, physically active populations, sports pose a significant risk of injury for soldiers in the Army. Research shows that sports-related injuries are among the top three causes of hospitalization during both peacetime and combat. Research also indicates that basketball, football, and softball result in more injuries than any other sports in the Army.

A systematic review of the medical and public health literature was conducted with the purpose of identifying effective interventions for the sports causing the most injuries among Army personnel. Our search criteria identified 291 papers, published between 1970 and 2002, related to injuries during basketball, football, and softball. Only 44 of these papers were analytic epidemiologic studies (15%) and another 10 were intervention trials (4%). Several studies suggested interventions that may prevent injuries: breakaway bases for softball, helmets for football, and mouthpieces for football and possibly basketball. Evidence was inconsistent for other interventions, such as prophylactic knee or ankle braces for football or basketball. Complicating decisions about sports injury interventions are concerns regarding the effects on player performance during these sports.

Knowing which interventions have demonstrated effectiveness, along with the extent of the scientific evidence, is critical for both military and civilian populations looking to reduce sports injuries.

Learning Objectives:

• To learn about the analytic studies identifying risk factors for softball, football and basketball injuries; (
• To understand the evidence for specific interventions for these sports; and (
• To recognize a need for a more systematic approach to injury prevention.

Keywords: Injury Risk, Injury Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.