Abstract
Several risk factors for injury have been suggested in female elite athletes.
However, there is a lack of prospective studies in young female athletes where
multiple risk factors have been studied. The aim of this study was to identify
risk factors for injury in female adolescent elite athletes. Substantial
injuries were monitored in 222 athletes using the validated Oslo Sports Trauma
Research Centre Questionnaire over 20 weeks. Over 20 potential risk factors were
explored. Based on a binomial generalized linear mixed model, two significant
(p<0.05) risk factors for injury were identified; previous injury within
the last 12 months (OR 2.55) and well-being (OR 0.97). An athlete with a
previous injury had twice as high a risk of injury (13% vs. 6%)
compared to an athlete with no previous injury. Higher perceived well-being was
associated with a decreased risk of injury. Based on a prospective design with a
large sample of female adolescent elite athletes, investigating over 20
potential risk factors for injury, our results suggest that a previous injury
and well-being are risk factors for injury.
Key words
injury surveillance - risk factors - youth - girls
