There’s an interesting article on overuse injuries in young athletes in the Strength and Conditioning Journal this month. The author, James Johnson, has done an excellent job of putting into words a problem I see every day. Since most of you don’t have access to it, I thought I’d give you a few highlights of Dr. Johnson's research on what is an alarming increase in injuries among young athletes. 
Competitive seasons last longer and many athletes practice all year for one sport.
Cuts in school physical education has led parents to create homegrown programs for their children. Unfortunately, coaches in these programs sometimes have minimal training. Certification isn't always required. So we are placing our most vulnerable athletes with the least trained coaches.
Overuse injuries are the most common. They are typically caused by repetitive submaximal loading, which occurs with activities such as throwing, swimming, or running.
Children are especially susceptible to overuse injuries because they are still growing.
Prevention is the key. Use proper training methods and allow time for recovery. Always use an appropriate warm up. Vary practice patterns to avoid overuse. Measure progression and make sure it is a gradual progression.
I couldn’t agree more with this article – too many children are getting overuse injuries. At SVMC, we're seeing more and more kids with sore shoulders, sore knees, sore backs, etc.
There are many factors here, not just overtraining. Some of these kids are deconditioned (too many video games), or their injuries are related to motivation, but overtraining is often involved.
Don’t get me wrong, I think sports programs are great for kids, but they need to be done right. Coaches and parents have the best intentions, but these do not mean much if the training is wrong.
If you want to read the article in full, stop by SVMC's Health Sciences Library. Our librarian Gary Strubel will be glad to help you find a copy to read. You call the library at 802-447-5120. You can find the article in Strength and Conditioning Journal, Vol 30, Number 2, April 2008.
New Years Day. The venison chili is on the stove, football is on the TV and it’s snowing – it doesn’t get much better.
The Michigan – Florida game is on TV. As a Penn State graduate, I am obligated to despise Michigan for 364 days a year (365 in the leap years). That being said, today I can root for them as they are fellow Big Ten members playing against a hated SEC opponent. For anyone who follows college football, this is a classic Big Ten vs. Southern Speed game, but Michigan is up by 7, no, make that 14, in the 3rd quarter. No, my beloved Nittany Lions did not get to a New Years Bowl Game this year, but they did beat Texas A&M on Saturday night.
Later today, we have USC and Illinois, and on January 7, the championship between Ohio State and LSU. I have to admit, I don’t like the idea of having to stay up to watch a game during a week night – I have to work in the morning! But sacrifices must be made. How about the NFL? The Giants actually showed me something on Saturday night. I didn’t think Eli had it in him. I will not be at all surprised if someone beats the Patriots in the playoffs. Watch out for the Jags – they’re playing like the Steelers are supposed to.
I generally don’t make New Years resolutions – too much pressure. However, there are some things, in no particular order, which I would like to see in the next few months – MAU basketball, boys and girls, to win a state championship. Cambridge boys basketball, led by my nephew Shea, to win a Section II championship. Cambridge girls basketball (my niece Amelia this time) to win. Penn State basketball to compete in the Big Ten. One day without hearing anything about politics. One day without hearing anything about the New England Patriots. Lot’s of snow. An accurate snowfall forecast. My dog, Duncan, to stick around for a little while longer – we still have things to do, buddy. My kids, Ben and Stasia, to continue to amaze and delight me everyday. Good health for my friends and loved ones.
Look at that – Michigan just upset Florida
That’s it. Happy New Year
Have you ever seen a kid standing at a bus stop wearing a backpack that’s almost as big as he is? Sometimes I wonder how they keep from falling over backward. I don’t remember ever carrying that much stuff when I was in school, but, of course that was the old days. Anyway, “backpack safety” has become a concern in recent years, as carrying too much weight can lead to injury. It is estimated that more than 40 million students carry backpacks, and over half of these children regularly carry more than the recommended safe weight in the backpack. Here are some tips to avoid problems:
- Choose a backpack that has straps which are wide and well padded. A waist strap can also help to distribute the load.
- Make sure the backpack fits snugly — a loose backpack can put a lot of strain on the upper back muscles.
- Wear the backpack correctly — do not sling it over one shoulder.
- Weight — the loaded backpack should not weigh more than 15 percent of the body weight of the wearer. Heavier items should be packed first so they sit closer to the body.
With a little effort, you can avoid big problems.
So is it just my imagination, or are backpacks and books are heavier now? Readers, use the comments button below to tell me about stories that prove me right or wrong.
Update — Mount Anthony, Hoosick Falls, and Cambridge football all won last weekend. On Saturday Hoosick Falls goes to Cambridge, and it should be a great one.