Youth Sport Specialization: Current Concepts and Clinical Guides.

Sugimoto, Dai; Whitney, Kristin E; d'Hemecourt, Pierre A; Stracciolini, Andrea · HSS J · 2024

review · Level V

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Abstract

The concept of youth sport specialization has evolved over the past decade, from a focus on the risk of overuse injury to a broader awareness of its effects on mental health, social well-being, quality of life, growth and maturation, sport performance, and long-term athletic success. This review article considers a recently revised definition of youth sport specialization, as well as guidelines and consensus statements from various sports medicine organizations, with practical applications for young athletes.