Variability in the Identification and Reporting of Overuse Injuries Among Sports Injury Surveillance Data Collectors

Purpose: This study examined variability in identifying and reporting overuse injuries among Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs). Methods: This cross-sectional study of ATs participating in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Injury Surveillance Program, utilized a novel online-only survey, consisting of seven hypothetical clinical scenarios representing various clinical presentations including overuse and acute elements. Participants reported clinical opinions regarding the role overuse played in each scenario (major contributor, not a major contributor, not enough information) and probability (0-100%) of classifying each scenario as having an overuse injury mechanism, then completed open-ended questions addressing their decision-making process. Results: 74 ATs (25%) completed the survey. Six of the seven scenarios generated discordance in responses among the participating ATs. Variability in AT decisions involved: the progression of injury, duration of symptoms, and activity at time of injury. Conclusion: Developing a formalized definition of overuse injury may improve consistency and standardize methods for identifying and reporting overuse injuries within injury research.