Selectively Training in a Single Sport is Not Associated with Increased Injury in High School Female Athletes

Abstract

Competing predominately in one sport instead of multiple sports has become increasingly prevalent in young athletes. However, there is a lack of data focused on female athletes who compete exclusively in one sport. We hypothesized that female athletes who selectively train in a single sport (SS) have higher rates of injury, body image concerns, and menstrual dysfunction compared to female athletes who play multiple sports (MS). Retrospective data was collected from a pre-physical questionnaire distributed among female athletes from five local high schools (n=611; 13-18 years of age). Odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and effect size were calculated to investigate the association between SS training and injuries, irregular menses, and body image concerns (a priori p< 0.05). SS training was not associated with higher rates of injury (p=0.48) and were less likely to have a history of stress fractures compared to MS athletes (p=0.03). There was a decrease in the number of menstrual cycles within the last 12 months among SS athletes (p=0.02, d=0.34). Exclusively competing in a single sport is not associated with higher injury rates in female high school athletes but is associated with dissatisfaction with one’s weight.