Summary Objectives: The study aims to identify modifiable risk factors for injuries and overuse complaints in youth athletes by applying a structured physical performance test battery. The goal is to support the development of sport-specific prevention strategies. Methods: This is a prospective, multi-cohort study involving youth athletes aged 11-17 years across four sports: soccer, field hockey, tennis, and golf. The test battery evaluates, mobility, balance, motor control, core stability, jump performance, strength and endurance. Injuries are recorded quarterly over two years using standardized questionnaires, with additional functional and subjective scales assessed at baseline and during follow-up. Test selection was based on clinical relevance, feasibility, and minimal equipment requirements. A standardized examiner training and SOP ensured reproducibility. Key Results: As of July 2025, 644 athletes have completed baseline testing, including 285 soccer players, 263 hockey players, 58 tennis players, and 38 golfers. Retesting has been conducted on 177 participants. Data analysis will investigate correlations between test results, injury occurrence, and individual parameters such as peak height velocity, activity level, and limb dominance. Conclusion: The study addresses a research gap in injury prevention for youth athletes. The simple, time-efficient, and widely applicable test battery may enable early identification of injury risks and support the development of long-term, evidence-based prevention strategies in youth sports. Autorreferat
© Copyright 2025 Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin. WWF-Verlagsgesellschaft. All rights reserved.