Sports injury rates: U.S. statistics on all sports injuries

This exhaustive study of sports injury rates in the United States, with statistics presented both in aggregate form (i.e. total sports injuries) and by individual sport/activity is the first of its kind since the 1970's.

As the definitive U.S. study on the subject, the Comprehensive Study of Sports Injuries in the U.S. reveals injury statistics and sports injury rates as experienced by all individuals over the age of six and on all sports injuries. Statistics include less serious incidents and mishaps not requiring emergency treatment.

A unique aspect of the study is the direct numerator/denominator connection between sports participation behavior and injury experience.

Youthful Sports Injury Rates
In youth sports, rising sports injury rates are emblematic of both the new super-competitive youth sports culture and the increasingly popular non-traditional sector of Extreme Sports.

Baby Boomer Sports Injury Statistics
Baby boomers (aged 35-54) continue to drive sports/exercise participation and as a corollary, are generating higher sports injury rates. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, sports-related ER injury rates in this group increased by 33% from 1991 - 1998, but this rise-according to CPSC-paralleled increases in activity participation.

Age 55+ Sports Injury Statistics
From 1987 - 2001, health club membership of people over 55 skyrocketed by 266%, (phenomenal growth in sports and fitness) and even after holding population constant, the increase was an astounding 219%. From 1990 - 1996, the CPSC recorded an increase of 54% in sports injury rates among people 65+ years of age and also deduced that these 65+ people may continue sports and fitness participation well into their 70's, 80's and perhaps even 90's.

To go far beyond the CPSC study of emergency rooms, to an original consumer research survey featuring complete sports injury rates and statistics, visit the Specialist in Sports and Fitness Research.

To learn more about the general context of sports injuries, click on The SUPERSTUDY® of Sports Participation.