Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Tammy Sheehy

Degree Award Date

Spring 2023

Disciplines

Exercise Science

Abstract

In today’s society, it is much more common for younger athletes to choose to specialize in one sport opposed to competing in multiple sports. While many believe this will increase their chances of playing at an elite level, this remains unknown. For this project, I surveyed 18 different athletes here at Bridgewater College. I included softball, baseball, Men’s and Women’s lacrosse, football, and field hockey. The goal of this study was to determine if there is a significant relationship between early sport specialization and injury. This is because when athletes participate in the same sport year- round, they are using the same muscle groups and more susceptible to an overuse injury. They may also be more likely to have other issues like social isolation, poor academic performance, sleep problems, as well as increased anxiety. By looking at this relationship, we can learn more information about the affect each sport has as well as figure out ways to improve this increasing problem.

Recommended Citation

Bruce, Kearston. "The Prevalence of Long-Term Health Implications from Early Sport Specialization in Young Adults." Senior Honors Projects, Bridgewater College, 2023.

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