There is a paucity of data related to sports injuries, concussions, and computerized neurocognitive testing (CNT) among very young athletes playing sports in recreational settings. The purpose of this study was to report baseline CNT results among male and female children, ages 5–11, playing sports in Hillsborough County, Florida using ImPACT Pediatric, which is specifically designed for this population. Data were collected from 2016 to 2017. The results show that 657 baseline tests were conducted and t-tests and linear regression were used to assess mean significant differences in composite scores with sex and age. Results showed that females scored better on visual memory and in general as age increased, baseline scores improved. The results can be used to build further studies on the use of CNT in recreational settings and their role in concussion treatment, management, and interventions.

BackgroundAlthough physical activities promote positive physical, intellectual and social development, children and adolescents who participate in sports activities are exposed to various injury risks. Previous research on sports injuries has largely focused on high school and collegiate athletes. Incidence data for younger athletes is needed to develop prevention strategies.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify the injury rates and related mechanisms among 5–11 year-old athletes who played sports in recreational leagues.MethodsA total of 1511 athletes ages 5–11 playing football, soccer, baseball and softball at a large athletic facility in Hillsborough County, Florida participated in our research. One certified athletic trainer (ATC) used Reporting Information Online (RIO) to collect data on athletic exposures and injuries weekly during the 2016–2017 season.ResultsDuring the sports season, 18 injuries occurred in practices or competitions. Football had the leading rate of injuries for both competitions and practices (1.18 and 0.68, per 1000 athlete-exposures respectively). Most injuries occurred during competition (66.7%) and the leading types of injuries were concussions (22.2%) and fractures (22.2%). The leading injury mechanisms were contact with another person (33.3%) and playing apparatus (33.3%). Most injuries were new (88.9%). All injuries were initially assessed by the onsite ATC and managed by general physicians-pediatricians (55.6%) and/or the ATC (22.2%).ConclusionsThe results of our study show that injuries do occur in these young athletes who play sports outside of school settings. It is advantageous to have ATCs on site for initial injury evaluation and post injury management. Future studies should include additional venues to allow for assessment of a greater number of athletes and additional sports.

Background The specific research aims of this study included: 1) Conduct an epidemiologic analysis of recreational sports injuries among 1500 children, ages 5–11 in Florida: and 2) Utilize the computerized pediatric concussion tool from ImPACT Applications, Inc. for baseline and follow-up testing to better understand these injuries. This research followed a prospective surveillance design utilizing a large cohort of children, ages, 5–11, who play recreational football, soccer, and baseball/softball in Florida. The study venue was a large athletic facility in Hillsborough County, Florida. The sports observed were soccer (girls’ and boys’), baseball, softball, and football. Internal and external advisory boards were consulted throughout the study. Methods Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) were hired to use High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) for injuries and the Ipad-administered pediatric concussion tool developed by ImPACT Applications, Inc for baseline/follow-up concussion data. Results Over the course of the project, 26 RIO-reported injuries were reported. Football and soccer produced the greatest rate of injuries. There were 12 concussions which comprised nearly half of all the RIO injuries (46%). We conducted 882 baseline concussion tests and 13 follow-up tests over the 2 years. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time data have been collected and reported on sports injuries in the study population. Future studies built on these findings will allow for the development of targeted guidelines and interventions for coaches, players, and parents so sports injury-related morbidity and mortality decrease in our youngest athletes.