Increase in Girl Soccer Injuries

In a 14 year study done by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, girls are getting hurt in the sport more than ever before but boys are more likely hospitalized. This increase in injuries sustained by girls are attributed to increase participation in the sport. The injury rate for girls rose from 1.14 per 100,000 to 1.63 per 100,000 over the 14 year span. The injury rates for boys dropped from 2.04 to 1.8 per 100,000. The study shows that overall, girls sustained more ankle and knee injuries and were more likely to have sprains and strains while boys were more likely to sustain injuries to the face, head and neck resulting in hospitalization. The reason for the rise in injuries is not known but researchers speculate that it is because of the improvements in equipment, rules and training of coaches/referees and their ability to recognize and report injuries.

To read the study, click here (Requires subscription to American Journal of Sports Medicine)