Sports participation related to injuries and illnesses among ambulatory youth with chronic diseases: results of the health in adapted youth sports study

BACKGROUND: Although sports participation leads to important health enhancement for youth with chronic diseases or physical disabilities (CDPD), it may pose an increased risk for injury or illness. This study investigated the incidence, type, severity and risks to (sports-related) injuries and illnesses among ambulatory youth with CDPD. METHODS: Over a 12-month period, every 2 weeks, the characteristics of injuries and illnesses were registered by an online questionnaire and phone-based interview. Physical activity level was measured with the Activ8 during 1 week. Complete data was available of 103 youngsters with CDPD (61 boys, 42 girls), with a mean age of 14.4 (SD = 2.7) years. The personal characteristics, the injury and illness rates per 1000 h of PA were investigated per group of organized sports participation per week (0, 1 or ≥ 2 times p/wk). RESULTS: Almost half of the youngsters sustained one or more injuries (46%) or illnesses (42%) during 1 year. The injury rate per 1000 h of PA between 0, 1 and ≥ 2 times per week of sports participation was 0.84, 1.88, 133 respectively and the illness rate were 1.87, 1.88 and 1.18 respectively. Differences between the rates were not statically significant. Most reported health problems had no subsequent restriction (49%) or other minor consequences (21%) in school, physical education or sports participation. Most reported health problems were contusions (41%) at the lower extremity (74%) and flu plus fever (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in sports ≥2 times per week does not pose a significant increased risk in the incidence of injury or illness per 1000 h of PA in youth with CDPD compared to their peers who participate less frequent (once weekly) and compared to non-sports participants. Athletes who participate in sports at least twice weekly get injured mostly during their sporting activities, while peers who do participate in sports once a week or not at all, get injured during less intense physical activities during physical eduction lessons, ADL or non-organized sports and play in leisure time. The social impact of injuries or illnesses was limited.