Relationship Between Sport Specialization and Short-Term Health-Related Quality of Life in Youth Athletes After Injury

Abstract

Background:

Researchers have examined associations between sport specialization and injury. However, no studies have investigated associations between sport specialization and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after injury.

Hypothesis:

Among injured youth athletes, level of sport specialization is not associated with differences in HRQoL approximately 1 month after sport-related injury.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

A multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed at 3 primary care sports medicine clinics. Eligible 8- to 18-year-old athletes who presented for musculoskeletal injury or concussion were enrolled. At the initial clinic visit, patients completed the Player Development Survey (PDS) to determine sport specialization level. Approximately 1 month after enrollment, patients completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) to determine HRQoL measures.

Results:

Of 720 athletes invited to participate, 336 (age, 14.2 ± 2.4 years) completed the PDS and PROMIS surveys; 22% were highly specialized, 39% were moderately specialized, and 39% were low specialized athletes. Overall, there were no differences in HRQoL scores across the 3 levels of sport specialization. In subgroup analysis based on sex, female HRQoL scores were worse than male HRQoL scores irrespective of sport specialization level in 3 categories: pain interference (mean difference between female and male scores [± SEM] = 2.3 ± 1.1; P = 0.04), depression/sadness (2.9 ± 1.1; P = 0.01), and anxiety/fear (2.8 ± 1.2; P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Higher level of sport specialization is not associated with worse HRQoL approximately 1 month after sport-related injury. Female athletes have worse short-term HRQoL after an injury irrespective of sport specialization level. While sex differences were statistically significant, the magnitude of differences was small.

Clinical Relevance:

Sport specialization is not associated with differences in HRQoL after injury. Injured female athletes may need closer monitoring due to possibly worse short-term HRQoL, but further investigation is needed.