Evaluating Qualitative Data to Develop Injury Prevention Routines Among Adolescent Softball Players

Overuse injuries are a growing concern in adolescent softball, with harmful consequences on both physical health and well-being. Yet, age-specific trends and risk patterns remain understudied. This study used mixed methods, surveys, and interviews to explore injury prevalence, risk factors, and lived experiences across developmental stages. PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and risk of overuse injuries in youth softball athletes. The study emphasized trends by age and playing history among adolescent athletes. METHODS: In this IRB-approved study (#2115411-6), softball athletes ages 8-16 were grouped into three cohorts (8-10, 11-13, 14-16). A total of 14 athletes completed in-person surveys at Prowess Pitching in Indianapolis, Indiana. Surveys assessed injury history, training load, and mental health as it relates to the sport. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person with parents at the same facility to gather deeper insight into recovery practices and perceived athlete pressure. Survey and interview data were triangulated to contextualize findings and identify patterns across age ranges. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data, highlighting upward trends in overuse injury rates and fatigue as age and years played increased. The 11–13 age group emerged as akey inflection point, showing signs of increased training volume but limited recovery protocols, indicating a mismatch between physical demand and recovery capacity. Qualitative data from parent interviews were coded and analyzed using Dedoose software through a thematic analysis approach. Two independent coders evaluated the data, and inter-rater reliability was assessed. Thematic findings provided a contrasting perspective with the survey trends, with parents of adolescent athletes reporting less heightened concerns around physical and emotional strain. CONCLUSION: A parent-informed perspective underscores how the middle adolescent group may face the highest risk due to increased expectations without proper recovery protocols in place. These findings support the importance of targeted, developmentally appropriate injury prevention procedures among adolescents and highlight the potential of wearable tech to monitor fatigue and biomechanics in real time for early intervention.