Below are releases on studies appearing in the February issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: Monday, January 25, 2010 12:01 am (ET)

SOCCER INJURY RATES ARE INCREASING

Youth soccer is one of the most popular team sports in the world and is an effective form of exercise for many children. With the growing popularity of soccer (known as football outside the U.S.), comes a greater number of injuries, as detailed in a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Injuries in Youth Soccer,” published in the February issue of Pediatrics (appearing online Jan. 25). Injury rates are highest among younger, preadolescent players. Young females tend to suffer more knee-related injuries, compared to male soccer players who tend to have more ankle injuries. Knee injury prevention programs can reduce the number of knee injuries and should be promoted in the soccer community. Concussions are common in soccer, and females tend to have a slightly higher concussion risk than males. The risk of a head injury is comparable to other contact/collision sports, though evidence does not support repeated heading as a risk for short or long-term cognitive issues. The report authors suggest enforcing the rules of the game and discouraging overtly aggressive or dangerous play to reduce injuries, since many injuries result from unsafe play or conditions.

MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS LINKED TO MIXED-HANDEDNESS

Mixed-handed children have a greater likelihood of having mental health, language and scholastic problems in childhood, compared to right- or left-handed children. In the study, “Mixed-Handedness is Linked to Mental Health Problems in Children and Adolescents,” published in the February issue of Pediatrics (appearing online Jan. 25), researchers studied 7,871 children (3,992 boys and 3,879 girls) at 7 to 8 years of age and again at 16 years of age. Teacher, parent and/or adolescent reports were used to assess language and educational difficulties, and mental health, including ADHD. Results indicate that mixed-handed 8-year old children, relative to right-handed, were twice as likely to have concurrent difficulties with language and scholastic performance, and 16-year old adolescents were at a considerably higher risk for probable psychiatric disturbance including ADHD symptoms. This study supports evidence that mixed-handedness, rather than left-handedness, is associated with risk for language and behavioral problems both in childhood and adolescence. Mixed-handedness is used as a proxy for atypical cerebral lateralization. Authors suggest that future studies need to address brain circuitry underlying handedness to better understand its connection to behavior. Mixed-handedness, particularly in the presence of previous behavioral difficulties, could aid in the clinical recognition of children who are at risk for stable problems and early detection of children who are at risk.

NUTRITION INFORMATION LEADS TO LOWER-CALORIE FAST FOOD MEALS FOR CHILDREN

Parents presented with nutrition information may select lower-calorie foods for their children from fast food menus, according to the study, “Nutrition Menu Labeling May Lead to Lower-Energy Restaurant Meal Choices for Children,” published in the February issue of Pediatrics (appearing online Jan. 25). At a pediatric practice in Seattle, Wash., 99 parents of 3- to 6-year-olds who sometimes go to fast food restaurants with their children were surveyed about their fast food dining habits. They were then presented with picture menus featuring McDonald’s restaurant menu items and asked which they would select for themselves and for their children. Half of the parents were given the calories (or energy) for each menu item, along with prices based on actual local pricing. Choices included most of the items sold at McDonald’s, including a variety of sandwiches, salads, dressings, side items, beverages, desserts and children’s meals. Parents who were given the calorie information chose 102 fewer calories on average for their children compared with the group who did not have this information. There was no correlation between the frequency of fast food dining and the calories ordered for either parents or children. The authors note that even modest reductions in energy (calorie) intake can help avert weight gain and obesity. Some jurisdictions across the country have already mandated that nutritional labeling be present in fast-food restaurants and on signage and menus.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.