Internal and external risk factors

What are internal risk factors in sports injury?

Factors related to the athlete themselves, such as age, training effects, previous injury, sex differences, pregnancy, congenital factors, and psychological factors.

How can age increase injury risk?

Increasing age is associated with higher injury risk.

Why are adolescents at unique injury risk?

Rapid bone growth can outpace soft‑tissue adaptation, reducing balance and increasing risk of injuries like ankle sprains.

Why might children have fewer fractures?

Their bones are more flexible and elastic.

How does non‑linear growth affect injury risk?

Height and weight changes occurring unevenly can affect coordination and movement patterns.

How does training influence injury risk?

Large increases in training volume or intensity elevate injury risk.

What happens if an athlete overtrains?

The load exceeds the body's capacity, causing chronic fatigue, poor recovery, reduced performance, and increased injury risk.

Why is insufficient rest a risk factor?

It leads to impaired performance, poor coordination, and higher likelihood of accidents or poor technique.

How can inappropriate training cause injury?

Incorrect or excessive stimulus can cause imbalances, weaknesses, and long‑term strain.

How does previous injury increase future injury risk?

Previously injured tissue may remain weaker, less flexible, or have reduced proprioception.

Why is full rehabilitation important?

Returning too early increases the severity and likelihood of re‑injury.

How does reduced range of motion affect injury risk?

Lower ROM increases the risk of further injury in the affected joint.

How do sex differences influence injury patterns?

Males tend to sustain more overall injuries, while females show higher rates of stress fractures and concussion with longer recovery times.

How does pregnancy affect injury risk?

Pregnant athletes should avoid high‑fall‑risk sports, and postpartum athletes need gradual return focusing on pelvic floor strength.

What are congenital factors in injury risk?

Conditions present from birth, such as structural abnormalities or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy.

How do psychological factors affect injury risk?

Stress, grief, poor sleep, and emotional strain impair performance, biomechanics, and recovery, increasing injury risk.

What are external risk factors in sports injury?

Environmental or equipment‑related factors including position, PPE, playing surface, and equipment.

How does playing position affect injury risk?

Different positions expose athletes to different movement demands and collision risks.

Why is personal protective equipment important?

reduces risk of injuries like concussions and fractures and lowers re‑injury rates.

How does playing surface affect injury risk?

Artificial surfaces such as AstroTurf or 3G pitches are associated with higher injury risk.

Why is proper equipment setup important?

Incorrectly set‑up equipment, like improperly adjusted bikes, increases injury risk.