Left-handedness as an injury risk factor in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
Left-handedness has been suggested as a risk factor for unintentional trauma. The objective of this study was to determine if left-handedness was associated with an increased frequency and severity of injury among adolescent school athletes.


METHODS
A questionnaire was administered to 634 junior and senior high school athletes during preparticipation examinations. The questionnaire consisted of a four-item handedness determination and history of past injury.


RESULTS
Left-handers more frequently reported having seen a physician in the previous year for treatment of an injury than did right-handers. A higher proportion of the left-handers than right-handers reported having been previously hospitalized for injury treatment. A higher proportion of left-handers than right-handers reported having previously had surgery for treatment of an injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Left-handedness appears to be a risk factor for injury among adolescent school athletes.
Graham
C J
CJ
Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Cleveland
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors