When Kids Focus on 1 Sport, Overuse Injuries Rise

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 -- Young athletes specializing in one sport may hope it's a ticket to an athletic scholarship in college, but a new analysis suggests the practice might also doom them to overuse injuries.

Pulling data from five prior studies, scientists found that athletes aged 18 and younger who concentrated on a single sport were nearly two times more likely to sustain an overuse injury from repeatedly taxing the same muscles and joints than peers who played multiple sports.

Young Pitchers Should Keep Pitch Counts in Check

SUNDAY, July 8, 2018 -- Young pitchers should heed pitch count guidelines if they want their elbows to stay healthy, new research suggests.

The Japanese study included 149 pitchers, aged 7 to 11, with no prior elbow pain who were assessed at the start and end of a baseball season. At the end of the season, the development of elbow pain was associated with throwing more pitches than what's recommended.

Focus on Just One Sport Risks Burnout for Teens

THURSDAY, June 28, 2018 -- Student athletes who specialize in one sport year-round could lose out in academics and other fields, a new study finds.

"Today's students have so many responsibilities and when you add specializing in a sport -- with participation in school and club teams, practices, tournaments and lots of travel -- there just aren't enough hours in the day to finish their schoolwork, spend time with friends, enjoy other activities and get a good night's sleep," said lead author Eric Post.