(August 3, 2009 - Insidermedicine) There has been an increase in the number of injuries obtained in Physical Education classes in the United States between 1997 and 2007, according to research published in the journal Pediatrics.

Here is some information about physical education:

    • Approximately one half of US students participate in Phys. Ed. once per week, and nearly one third participate 5 days a week

    • Phys. Ed. is important for combating childhood obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle for later in life

    • Phys. Ed. is on the rise, and accordingly, Phys. Ed.-related injuries are on the rise

Researchers from Ohio State University tracked Phys. Ed.-related injuries in over 400,000 children and adolescents over a decade.

Over the course of the study period, the annual rate of Phys. Ed.-related injuries rose by 150%. The researchers found that 6 activities - running, basketball, football, soccer, volleyball and gymnastics - accounted for 70% of injuries, and there were gender-differences and age-differences in the types of injury sustained.

As obesity rates increase, so too does the importance of promoting physical activity. Today's study suggests that identifying patterns in Phys. Ed.-related injuries can help to target injury-prevention education.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Kelly Schweitzer.