Risk factors for growth-related knee pain in young male Japanese basketball players: results from a web-based parental survey.

Abstract

Growth-related knee pain is common among young athletes; however, risk factors may differ from those in adults. Understanding modifiable contributors is critical for injury prevention and healthy physical development. This study aimed to identify clinical and training-related factors associated with growth-related knee pain in young male Japanese basketball players. A total of 600 parents of young male basketball players aged 9-15 years (100 per grade, 4th-9th grades) completed a web-based parental questionnaire. Data collected included age, anthropometrics, leg dominance, playing position, training surface, weekly training volume, and sport specialization. Parents reported whether their child experienced knee pain within the past 12 months and the suspected cause (growth-related pain, contusion, fracture, sprain, or other). Univariate analyses (independent t-tests and chi-square tests) compared players with and without growth-related knee pain. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors, reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Growth-related knee pain was reported by 20.6% of participants. Univariate analyses showed that it was significantly associated with older age, larger body size, increased weekly training volume, and high sport specialization, but not with body mass index, leg dominance, playing position, or playing surface. In the multivariate model, increased height (OR =1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.08) and high sport specialization (OR =1.77, 95% CI: 1.13-2.77) remained independent predictors. Taller athletes and those with high sport specialization are at an increased risk of growth-related knee pain. Growth monitoring, regulation of training volume, and promoting multisport participation may help reduce injury risk.