A seven-year review of 1,447 cases of spine trauma showed that 53 cases were associated with the use of off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and motorized dirt bikes. The development of safe riding areas, legislation governing safe operation, and public safety education are advised to curb this trend. (Author/JL)

This introduction to a special issue describes children's injuries in statistical, historical, and social terms. The following key concepts are presented: (1) Childhood injuries are neither random, unavoidable, nor inexplicable; (2) various disciplines suggest different interventions; (3) individuals or populations may be targeted for prevention…

The reduction of disability and death from childhood injury can be achieved through structural modifications which make environments less permissive. The structural approach suggests preventive strategies, but the strategies must be used, must not require frequent individual action, and must not depend on the behavior of the children. (VM)

The paper reviews the epidemiology of pediatric closed head injury. Incidence rates, etiologic/pathophysiologic correlates, and associated risk factors are discussed. Suggestions offered for future research concern relationships among age, etiology, and pathophysiology in outcome studies and premorbid measures of personality/intellectual…

An athlete's emotional response to injury is as important as the injury. Techniques used by physicians and sport psychologists to help athletes overcome emotional distress and play again are discussed. (Author/MT)

Excessive physical loading may disrupt normal osseous development and inflict injury. This is particularly applicable to young female gymnasts, for whom the injury rate is astonishingly high at advanced levels of competition. There is a need for a more extensive database using a longitudinal approach. (MT)

The latest figures (1985) indicate a continued decline in football deaths and catastrophic injuries, which is credited to a ban on spearing and to a helmet standard. Guidelines for prevention of fatalities and injuries are listed. (Author/MT)

Examines pediatric accidents involving bicycles, roller skates, and skateboards, emphasizing prevention, and offering recommendations for the safe utilization of these devices. (BB)

Includes transcript, editorial analysis, and judges' critiques of the final debate between University of Louisville and Dartmouth College. (PD)

When a participant signs a pre-participation agreement they verify that they have been informed of potential risks, understand the demands this activity will require, and comprehend the types of injuries that may occur as a result of participation. With an average reading level of 8th grade, however, most American adults are no match for the…

This series of articles on the sport of soccer considers such topics as: who can play the sport, safety and preventive measures, and tactics and training methods. (JN)

Causes of injuries incurred by women in sports are examined. Sound conditioning programs are recommended. (JD)

Flexibility is an important component of physical fitness and good health. Regular training can result in flexibility improvement. The amount of flexibility a person should develop is open to question, but minimal levels seem necessary to optimal performance and prevention of injury. (CJ)

New evidence on the relationship between age and the incidence of work-place injuries is described and analyzed in this study. Age-injury frequency profiles for males and females were compared and found similar when controlling for sex differences in the occupational distribution of employment. (Author)

Offers tips for avoiding sports-related injuries: (1) expect more of coaches; (2) develop an athletic-safety plan; (3) consider hiring an athletic trainer; (4) check facilities and equipment regularly; (5) recognize athletes' limitations; (6) take precautions beyond the playing field; and (7) check liability coverage and obtain informed consent.…