Examining the Impact of an Education Intervention on Parents' Perceptions of Sport Specialization

Authors

Lauren Schlacht Butler, Florida International UniversityFollow
Justin S. DiSanti, Duquesne UniversityFollow
Joseph J. Janosky, Lasell University, MA, USAFollow
Jane S. Chung, Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, TXFollow
James F. Russomano, Hospital for Special Surgery, NYFollow
Amanda M. Black, Brock UniversityFollow
Shelly Fetchen DiCesaro, University of PittsburghFollow
Eric Post, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Jonathan A. Santana, Children's Hospital Los AngelesFollow
Troy M. Smurawa, Children’s Health Andrews InstituteFollow
Tamara Valovich McLeod, A.T. Still UniversityFollow

Abstract

PURPOSE: Several organizations have developed educational materials to provide stakeholders with information about the health risks of early sport specialization (ESS), though the impact of these efforts is not yet known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe and assess the effect of an educational intervention on parental knowledge and perceptions of ESS. We hypothesized that a video-based educational intervention would increase parental knowledge and change perceptions of ESS. METHODS: Eighty-three parents of youth athletes completed a web-based survey. Participants were randomized into an intervention (ESS video) or control (concussion video) group. Each group completed a pre-and post-intervention survey. Frequencies and group proportions were calculated for demographic and sport participation characteristics. A repeated measures ANOVA assessed differences between groups across time. RESULTS: Parental responses to most individual items, and total score, on the Youth Sport Specialization Perceptions Survey (YSSPS) were near the mid-point of the scale or slightly below, suggesting neutral to unfavorable perceptions of ESS. Mean YSSPS scores did not differ between groups (p=.825), across time (p=.355) or with the interaction (p=.962). CONCLUSION: The video-based intervention did not change youth sport parents’ knowledge and perceptions of ESS, suggesting that our current approach to educating parents on ESS may not be effective.

Author Bio(s)

Lauren S. Butler, DPT, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Florida International University in Miami Florida. She is also a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

Justin S. DiSanti, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, and also works as a sport psychology consultant.

Joseph Janosky, DrPH, MSc, PT, ATC is the Director of Sports Injury Prevention at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. He is a National Council of Youth Sports board member and holds leadership positions with the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine Society and the American Public Health Association

Jane S. Chung, MD, FAAP, is a Pediatric sports medicine physician and an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatrics at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX.

James Russomano, MS CSCS, is the Senior Manager of Injury Prevention Programs at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, NY

Amanda M. Black, CAT(C), PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University in St. Catharines, ON, Canada. She is also a certified athletic therapist

Shelly Fetchen DiCesaro PhD, LAT, ATC is an Associate Professor of Athletic Training in the Sports Medicine and Nutrition Department at the University of Pittsburgh. She is also a licensed Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania and serves as a team appointed Athletic Trainer for US Figure Skating.

Eric Post, PhD, ATC is the Manager of the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. He is also a lecturer within the Master of Athletic Training program at Indiana State University

Tamara Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, FNAK, FNAP is the John P. Wood Endowed Chair for Sports Medicine, chair, professor, and director of the department of athletic training at A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ

Jonathan Santana, DO, is a Board-certified pediatrician, fellowship-trained, with Board certification in primary care sports medicine.

Troy M. Smurawa, MD is a Board-certified physician, fellowship-trained, with board certification in pediatrics sports medicine.

Recommended Citation

Butler LS, DiSanti JS, Janosky JJ, Chung JS, Russomano JF, Black AM, Fetchen DiCesaro S, Post E, Santana JA, Smurawa TM, Valovich McLeod T. Examining the Impact of an Education Intervention on Parents' Perceptions of Sport Specialization. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Jan 17;23(1), Article 22.