Today, more than 17.5 million kids participate in athletics. Over the past 10 to 20 years, the number of youths involved in sports has significantly risen, according to Dr. Steve Carney, a sports management professor at Drexel University. With an increase in youth sport participation comes a variety of physical effects. From the positive to the negative, athletics are impacting the bodies of young athletes.
Obesity Prevention
Youth sports can engage children in healthy habits that can last a lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth sports promote healthy habits and get help in the fight against childhood obesity and the negative health effects that come along with obesity. Youth sports can help to improve strength and endurance, help to build healthy muscles and bones, control weight, reduce stress and improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sports can also help prevent heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Coordination Benefits
The ability to build better hand-eye coordination and balance skills are skills that provide for injury prevention and benefits in day-to-day activities. According to Kathy Zetterberg, personal trainer, physical activity can develop a strong core, which can prevent injuries during youth sports. In youth sports, mild strength training --- using resistance bands, free weights, jump robes and wobble boards --- can result in better body awareness and improved stability. Better coordination can help to eliminate tendon and ligament injuries as the result of landing wrong or stumbling.
Overuse Injuries
Too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing when it comes to the health of young athletes. Too often, overuse and exhaustion injuries are overlooked in youth sports, according to Sanford Health. Youth sports can prompt repetitive stress and overload on muscles and bones. Young athletes can be susceptible to muscle cramps, strains, tendon impingement, sprains and stress fractures. Exhaustion is another problem plaguing the physical health of kids. Exhaustion can be the result of excessive practicing and not enough rest. Many youths also find themselves battling heat exhaustion during outdoor practices in the hot summer months.
Traumatic Injuries
Overall, youth sports are beneficial to the health of kids. However, with participation in youth sports comes the risk for traumatic sports injuries. Youth athletes may find themselves with fractures and dislocations, according to the MedlinePlus website. Concussions are another injury that can affect the physical well-being of young athletes and force them to the sidelines.
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