Context:Strength training in children, in combination with plyometric and/or agility training, has become an increasingly popular tactic for athletes to gain a competitive edge during the off-season. The present review clarifies some common myths associated with strength training in children, and it outlines the most current recommendations.Evidence Acquisition:Relevant studies on strength training in children and adolescents were reviewed (search results included studies indexed in PubMed and MEDLINE from 1980 through 2008). Also reviewed were recommendations from consensus guidelines and position statements applicable to strength training in youth.Results:Children can improve strength by 30% to 50% after just 8 to 12 weeks of a well-designed strength training program. Youth need to continue to train at least 2 times per week to maintain strength. The case reports of injuries related to strength training, including epiphyseal plate fractures and lower back injuries, are primarily attributed to the misuse of equipment, inappropriate weight, improper technique, or lack of qualified adult supervision.Conclusion:Youth—athletes and nonathletes alike—can successfully and safely improve their strength and overall health by participating in a well-supervised program. Trained fitness professionals play an essential role in ensuring proper technique, form, progression of exercises, and safety in this age group.

We examined the association between sleep quality and quality of life (QOL) among uninjured high school athletes. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Profile 25 questionnaire. One hundred ten athletes reported poor sleep quality (mean PSQI: 6.6 ± 2.0; mean age: 15.3 ± 1.1; 62% female); 162 athletes reported good sleep quality (mean PSQI: 2.3 ± 1.3; mean age: 15.1 ± 1.7; 33% female). After adjusting for sex and age, worse sleep quality was associated with higher physical function/mobility (β = 0.034; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.007-0.060; P = .01), anxiety (β= 0.391; 95% CI = 0.263-0.520; P < .001), depressive symptom (β = 0.456; 95% CI = 0.346-0.565; P < .001), fatigue (β = 0.537; 95% CI = 0.438-0.636; P < .001), pain interference (β = 0.247; 95% CI = 0.119-0.375; P < .001), and pain intensity (β = 0.103; 95% CI = 0.029-0.177; P = .006) ratings. Poor self-reported sleep quality among adolescent athletes was associated with worse QOL ratings. Clinicians should consider assessing sleep hygiene to provide guidance on issues pertaining to reduced QOL.

Edema is present on MRI in the superolateral region of Hoffa fat pad in patients with clinical fat pad impingement. However, such edema can also be present in patients without symptoms of fat pad impingement.

Context Many factors can affect the injury risk and quality of life among high school athletes. Early sport specialization and club sport participation may be components to consider when assessing the injury risk and quality of life. Objective To investigate patient-reported quality-of-life and injury-history measures among adolescent athletes at different sport-specialization levels and to compare these measures between those who did and those who did not report participating in club sports. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting High school athletic facility. Patients or Other Participants High school student athletes 13 to 18 years of age were recruited and tested during their annual preseason athletic physical examinations. Main Outcome Measure(s) Our primary grouping variables were sport-specialization level (classified as low, moderate, or high) and club sport participation (organized sport outside of traditional school athletics). Our outcome variables were the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Pediatric Profile-37 rating, Severity Measure for Depression–Child score, and injury history. Results A total of 97 individuals participated (mean age = 15.2 ± 1.1 years; 38% female). Relatively similar proportions of individuals reported participating at each level of sport specialization (low = 34%, moderate = 40%, high = 26%). Forty-six (48%) participants stated they participated in club sports. No differences were evident in quality of life (P values = .15–.92 across domains), depression (P = .60), or injury history (P &gt; .70) among the specialization groups. Those who described participating in club sports had a higher proportion of time-loss musculoskeletal injuries (63% versus 29%; P = .002) and of injuries requiring imaging, injection, a cast, a brace, or crutches (72% versus 46%; P = .013) than those who did not. Conclusions Although no injury-history differences were found among the sport-specialization groups, a higher proportion of club sport athletes than nonclub sport athletes reported a history of injury. Club sports are generally seen as more competitive, and the higher number of injuries seen in this setting could be related to a higher level of play among club sport athletes.

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In pediatric patients, musculoskeletal overuse injuries are common clinical complaints. Recently, the number of youth who are engaged in formal competition has increased. A National Council of Youth Sports survey found that 60 million children aged 6 to 18 yr participate in some form of organized athletics. Surveillance reporting systems, such as the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System and the High School Reporting Information Online (high school RIO), an Internet-based sports injury surveillance tool, have suggested an increase in the rates of overuse injuries. This article will focus on potential risk factors for overuse injuries, including those that are intrinsic and extrinsic in youth athletes. We also make note of some of the more common overuse injuries seen in the outpatient clinical setting, their diagnoses, and treatment based on current evidence-based literature.

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