Female athletes: managing risk and maximizing benefit.

Publication Date

2018

Journal Title

Curr Opin Pediatr

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:The purpose of this review is to provide an updated summary on the unique aspects of caring for female youth and adolescent athletes. RECENT FINDINGS:Recent research on female athletes has led to a better understanding of injuries and conditions that are more likely to occur in female youth and adolescent athletes, including the frequency and severity of concussions, musculoskeletal injury such as involving the anterior cruciate ligament, and the female athlete triad. Social factors, such as the growing pressure to specialize in a sport particularly at an early age, also put young female athletes at risk for issues such as overuse injuries. Researchers continue to explore the benefits of athletic participation that extend beyond physical fitness. SUMMARY:Female participation in youth sports has increased dramatically during the past 50 years. This has led to greater research on how to manage risks and maximize benefits for young female athletes, although there is still much to be learned. Providers should educate patients, parents, and coaches on both the increased risks for female athletes and ways to provide better support and accessibility of youth sports to all children.

Volume Number

30

Issue Number

6

Pages

874-882

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty

Facility

School of Medicine

Primary Department

General Pediatrics

PMID

30300327

DOI

10.1097/mop.0000000000000700

For the public and Northwell Health campuses

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