Which High School Sports Cause the Most Injuries?

High school sports injuries are on the decline, but they still account for about 3 million hospital visits a year, according to a new study. Researchers say the injuries that do occur are changing in severity. The researchers analyzed data collected by athletic trainers at 100 U.S. high schools between 2015 and 2019. They found that injury rates were highest in football, girls' soccer, and boys' wrestling.

The most common body parts impacted were the head and face, ankle, and knee. Sprains, strains, and concussions were the most common diagnoses. However, the study also identified a nearly 10% increase in injuries to the head and neck since 2005-2006, as well as more injuries causing young athletes to be out for more than one week.

The author emphasized that "As participation in high school sports remains strong, efforts toward developing effective sport-specific preventative strategies must continue and be adjusted as changing injury patterns emerge."