Physical activity programs don’t focus on injury prevention: study

Baltimore – Programs for increasing physical activity among children do not effectively incorporate injury prevention strategies, according to a study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Researchers examined activities that address childhood inactivity and obesity, such as walking, bicycling, swimming, sports and playground use, and concluded that these are also some of the leading causes of activity-related injury.

In the report, researchers recommend that childhood obesity professionals and injury prevention professionals collaborate to design safe programs that promote active lifestyles. “The key is breaking down the silos so injury prevention is incorporated into strategies to increase physical activity,” lead study author Keshia Pollack said. “The goal should be to maximize the benefits of physical activity programs and avoid the possible unintended consequences of increased injury.”

The report was published online in the journal Health and Place.