Research suggested that first-born males prefer sports in which the severity of possible injury is low in relation to the opportunity to affiliate under stress. (GW)

The sixth nationwide investigation of public playgrounds by the Consumer Federation ofAmerica (CFA) and the State Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) found that amajority of U.S. playgrounds pose hidden threats to youngsters. From March-May 2002, the State PIRGs and other CFA member organizations investigated 1,037 playgrounds in 36 states…

Outlines the minimum requirements for a safe school athletic program, including a master plan for observation and treatment of injuries and the selection of a competent team physician and an athletic trainer. (WD)

Safety guidelines for each phase of a karate practice session are presented to provide an accident-free and safe environment for teaching karate in a physical education or traditional karate training program. (JMF)

Examines the relationship of two types of common behavioral problems of adolescence, substance involvement (SI) and Conduct Disorder Behavior (CDB), to traumatic injury related health problems (TRHP) during adolescence and young adulthood. Analyses suggest that early SI places females at risk for TRHP, while CDB is more related to TRHP for males.…

This study found a high incidence of nontraumatic fractures in adults with developmental disabilities living in a state-run facility, a 7.3% incidence among 391 adults. Factors associated with fractures included use of antiepileptic medication. Although bone mineral density (BMD) by heel ultrasound did not predict fracture, values were much lower…

Examines data from research on stretching as it relates to enhanced performance and injury prevention so that fitness, exercise, and sports performance professionals can make informed decisions about stretching programs for clients. The paper notes that stretching is a misunderstood component of fitness and sports training. Few studies show…

Family counselors working cross-culturally with children with traumatic injuries and their families assist them through the psychosocial stages of adjustment from a developmental and cultural perspective. Combining a developmental and cultural focus in family counseling with traumatically injured children provides the family counselor with an…

A research review of 9 Australian-New Zealand (n=1,010) and 23 international (n=2,182) studies found the overall return-to-work rates after head injury were 44% and 45% respectively. Methodological issues might have inflated these numbers. Only an estimated 7-10% of persons with acquired brain injury returned to the same job. (Contains 46…

This article identifies the major risks faced by young children in aquatic programs, outlines several methods for managing risk factors, and discusses the steps involved in implementing a risk-management system. (IAH)

Two studies examined the ability to assign thematic roles and to coindex referentially dependent noun phrases in closed head injured adults (N=20), adult stroke patients (N=20), and normal adults (N=20). Results suggested that syntactic comprehension disturbances are similar following left cerebral hemisphere infarction and closed head injury.…

Describes plastic surgery techniques used to irrigate, debride, and close lacerations caused by surfboards. Head lacerations and nose fractures are the most common injuries. According to a survey, lacerations may be deeper than expected from their surface appearance and wounds may contain surfboard fragments. Injury prevention is discussed. (SM)