Different Perceptions of Parents and Children on Factors Influencing Sport Specialization

Context : Sport specialization among youth athletes has been associated with increased risk of overuse injuries. Previous research demonstrates that children perceive to be beneficial in making their high school team and receiving athletic college scholarships. parents play a significant role child’s sport experience. However, it is unknown if answer questions related factors similar manner. Objective To evaluate the beliefs on level agreement between dyads sports specialization. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Online paper surveys. Patients or Other Participants Aim 1: 1998 participants (993 1005 parents). 2: 77 paired parent–child dyads. Interventions Self-administered survey. Main Outcome Measures The responses were summarized via frequency proportions (%). Chi-squares calculated parent child responses. Kappa coefficients for determine agreement. was classified using common 3-point scale. Results more concerned about injury compared ( P < .001, χ 2 = 231.4; parent: extremely: 7.1%; child: 3.7%). likely believe chances obtaining an scholarship 201.6; very/extremely likely: 13.7%; 15.8%). Dyad subanalysis indicated moderate “quitting other focus one sport” κ .50) low “identifying primary .30) “training >8 months per year .32). Conclusions Parents had differing analysis shows classification differently. Health care providers should aware these differences, messaging individualized audience.