RID Injury

RID Injury:

Understanding Risk and IDentification of Injury in Adolescent Sports

RID Injury is is a research program funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) North-South Research Programme (Round 1, Strand II). Led by Dr Sinéad Holden from the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science (SPHPSS), the project is a collaboration between University College Dublin (UCD) and Ulster University (UU). RID Injury takes an all-island approach to examining the prevalence and impact of sports-related injuries in adolescents while identifying key risk factors contributing to injury in youth sports in Ireland.

Why it matters

Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development, and while sports participation offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, it also carries an inherent risk of injury. Beyond the physical toll, injuries can lead to social isolation, frustration, and mental health challenges, impacting adolescents' overall well-being.

Project Approach

The RID Injury project engages secondary school students across the island of Ireland, spanning multiple sports, including (but not limited to):

Gaelic Football
Rugby
Field Hockey
Soccer
Athletics
Netball

Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data on injury prevalence and severity with qualitative insights into adolescents' lived experiences.

Key findings

Over the course of a school year, approximately 1 in 3 of the included student athletes are impacted by sports-related injury, with concussions and knee injuries being the most severe. The qualitative research highlighted the lived experience of adolescents and the psychological impact of injuries, affecting well-being and social isolation, leading to disengagement from sport and physical activity.

Impact

Insights from RID Injury provide a foundation for improving sports injury monitoring and prevention in adolescent athletes across Ireland. With the established UCD-UU research partnership, RID Injury aims to further develop strategies to inform practice, support adolescents, and educate key stakeholders—including coaches, parents, and sports organizations—on best practices for injury prevention and rehabilitation.