The Effect of Life Events on Incidence of Injury in High School Football Players

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential relationship between life events and injury among high school football players. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective cohort study. We collected athlete-exposure and injury data through 2 consecutive seasons at 13 high schools. Injury data consisted of injury status, frequency, severity, practice versus game, time of season, and total time lost from football participation. A life event survey was administered at the end of each season to obtain total, negative, and positive life event scores. SUBJECTS: A total of 331 varsity high school football players. MEASUREMENTS: Data collected included athlete exposures, injury reports, and life event surveys. Statistical analysis was completed using the Wilcoxon rank sum W test, the Pearson chi(2) test using an iterative proportional fitting procedure, and contingency chi(2) test. RESULTS: Total and negative life change measures significantly affected injury status and frequency of injury (P <.05). However, they did not reflect differences in severity of injury or time lost due to injury, and the positive life change measure was not associated with significant differences for any injury factor (P >.05). Preseason injury rates were significantly higher than season and playoff injury rates (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: High school football players who experience high degrees of total and negative change were at greater risk of becoming injured and of sustaining multiple injuries. Playing situation and time of season also affected risk of injury.

Figure 1

A model of stress and athletic injury. Reprinted by permission.