P.E./Gym Class Injuries Increase 150%

Will Parker — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:27:53 GMT

Physical education is not only an essential part of the K-12 experience, but it is a class many kids to look forward to. Unfortunately, a new study printed by Pediatrics shows that kids are much more likely to be injured in gym class today than a decade ago. The study, which was conducted between 1997 and 2007, is sure to add additional stress to parents who entrust their children’s safety to the public school system.

Some people attribute this alarming increase to the lack of supervision during class, or a decrease in school nurses. Fewer schools today have full-time nurses on staff to come to the immediate aid of injured students. Also, with the increasing number of children in the K-12 system, gym classes are often very large. It is difficult enough for teachers to supervise a small classroom of 15 stationary students. Ironically, only 36% of schools require that PE classes actually set a maximum student/teacher ratio.

With child obesity rates at an alarming high, no one can deny that PE class is necessary. However, something needs to be done to correct this problem. The study analyzed data released from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, which contains information from sports and recreation-related injuries treated at emergency room facilities.

The data system reported an estimated 24,347 physical education-related injuries in 1997. In comparison, there were 62,408 reported injuries in 2007. The increase was seen in all age groups and in both sexes. One in five of the injuries were sprains involving the legs. About one in seven involved broken or injured arms.

Approximately 70% of the injuries were accredited to running, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball or gymnastics. It was found that cheerleading is the leading cause of catastrophic injuries, typically involving the spinal cord.

It has been suggested that all instructors receive comprehensive training in injury prevention, in addition to the children engaging in gym safety education. Having safety equipment readily available for every sport is an essential piece to decreasing the number of injuries.

Children are prone to accidents and injuries in everyday life. However, schools must do their part too. If more equipment, teachers, training and nurses can prevent even one incident, then the effort was worthwhile.

For the full story, please consult: http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5725CB20090803

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Will Parker

Florence-Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Lawyer - gym class

P.E./Gym Class Injuries Increase 150%