Survey of 100 young female gymnasts examined injuries over a 40-month period. Injury rates were similar to those found in other studies of female competitive gymnasts, but there were several notable findings regarding injury patterns. Prevention methods to reduce injury include modifying mat design and prescribing strengthening and stretching…

Presents a rebuttal to a previous article on tree climbing by Dr. Susan Aronson, who suggests that tree climbing in early childhood play yards be eliminated. Details the benefits of tree climbing and includes guidelines for safe and enjoyable tree climbing. (PAM)

Effects of age, physical activity, physical fitness, and body mass index (BMI) on the occurrence of orthopedic problems were examined. For men, physical fitness, BMI, and physical activity were associated with orthopedic problems; for women, physical activity was the main predictor. Age was not a factor for either gender. (JD)

This study examined the effect of emotional content on the verbal pragmatic aspects of discourse production in right-brain-damaged (RBD), left-brain-damaged (LBD), and normal control adults. In the nonemotional conditions, LBDs were particularly impaired in pragmatics, whereas in the emotional condition, RBDs demonstrated pragmatic deficits.…

Determined academic placement of 87 students with traumatic brain injuries within 1 year after injury: 45 children had returned to regular programs; 42 received some special education support. Verbal intelligence quotient at initial postinjury assessment appeared to be most important factor with regard to school placement. (Author/NB)

Despite abundant information on playground safety, National Recreation and Parks Association members still search for ways to handle playground problems. Since each playground is unique, there is no simple answer. The paper makes recommendations on how to begin and create a playground safety plan. (SM)

Provides information on the nature and extent of injuries to children in day-care centers and contributing factors responsible for the injuries, highlighting a case study of injuries in day-care centers in Minneapolis (Minnesota). Recommends developing approaches to prevent childhood injuries, in and outside of day-care settings. (SM)

The validity of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (Third Edition) for identification and description of language disorders following brain injury was evaluated in 11 adolescents with traumatic brain injury. In general, the measure identified only those individuals who had previously been diagnosed as language impaired, not those…

Traumatic spinal cord injuries resulting from criminal violence is a growing public health concern. Citing the criminal justice system's failure to reduce violence and the costs of treating injuries, a public health-education approach is advocated. Approaches to prevention, gun control, and a comprehensive family policy are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Reviews the concepts of negligence and "tort liability." Outlines briefly 10 legal cases that can be useful in explaining what the liability issues are for today's educators with regard to students who are injured while in school. Outlines six steps school officials should take to avoid negligence. (SR)

Discusses the history, epidemiology, biomechanics, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, long-term management, and prevention of shaken baby syndrome. It presents medical-legal issues as well as a discussion of programs aimed at prevention of physical abuse. (Author/DB)

Forty neuropsychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and physiatrists identified neurologically relevant items (NRIs) in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Raters identified four sets of NRIs: one for brain damage in general and three partially overlapping sets for stroke, traumatic brain damage, and whiplash.…

This study explores the idea that accidents may be considered a "recurrent disease" in certain families (N=279). Prevalence and location of accidents, knowledge of accident and injury prevention, and sources of information about prevention were examined among high school pupils and families. An educational initiative for high school…

Notes that falls from equipment are the number one cause of playground accidents. Presents guidelines for safe playgrounds from the National Safety Council. Provides a safety checklist, including considerations of the design and condition of equipment and surface material. (BGC)

Whether performance patterns on four variables from the California Verbal Learning Test could differentiate patients with moderate or severe brain injuries from those with mild injuries giving incomplete effort was studied with 46 patients, half of whom were in litigation. The test appeared to be useful as part of an evaluation of brain injury.…