Abstract

In November 1982 epidemiologic data were collected in an unique, large-scale population-based survey on sports injuries in school-aged children living in Holland. A total of 7468 pupils, aged 8 to 17, completed questionnaires covering a retrospective period of 6 weeks. 791 sports injuries were registered, amounting to an incidence of 10.6 sport injuries per 100 participants. In 31 of the cases medical consultation was needed. Due to the injuries 36 of the children did not attend one or more physical-education classes and 6 did not attend school for at least a day. Contusions and sprains were the most common lesions. 3 out of 4 injuries involved the lower extremity, in particular the ankle. 62 occured in organized sports, 21 in physical education classes and 17 in unsupervised sports activities. The highest injury rates were found in basketball and field hockey. In this study the population of 15 and 16-year-old boys having a high sports activity index and playing teamsports, in particular contact-teamsports, formed a high-risk group. Verf.-Referat