At the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in the US, researchers found that from 1991 through 2008, more than 159,000 children and adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age were treated in US emergency departments for track-related injuries.

The annual number of track-related injuries increased 36 percent during the 18-year study period, according to a press release on July 3.

"Participation in track is a great way to encourage children and adolescents to remain physically active," said Lara McKenzie, senior author of the study. "However, the increase in injuries corresponding with the increased participation in this activity suggests we need to do a better job of preventing track-related injuries among our young athletes."

Published in the journal The Physician and Sportsmedicine, findings show that the most common injury diagnoses were sprains and/or strains at 52 percent and fractures or dislocations at 17 percent.

According to a separate study released earlier this year, a lack of training and even care when kids sustain injuries while playing sports can lead to lifelong problems. The study also showed that many coaches are not trained adequately on how to handle injuries.