Coach Education Improves Adherence to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Programs: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of an educational workshop on adherence to neuromuscular training (NMT) among highschool coaches. Design: Cluster-randomized controlled trial. Setting: High school. Participants: A total of 21 teams in 8 high schools (unit of randomization) were randomized to the intervention or control group. Twelve boys' and 9 girls' teams in a variety of sports were enrolled. Intervention: Coaches in the intervention group participated in a 60-minute education workshop to teach effective implementation of a NMT program and also received print materials. Coaches in the control group received the same print materials. Main Outcome Measures: Eight data collectors were trained to observe each team's practice/game 2 to 3 times a week. They completed a study questionnaire to identify the NMT exercise and whether the coach (1) delivered exercise instructions and (2) provided alignment cues (both yes/no). Results: A total of 399 practices/games were observed over 2 seasons. A greater proportion of coaches in the intervention group provided alignment cues to correct improper technique compared with the control group {difference 5 0.04 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.07], P 5 0.006}. There was a similar proportion of coaches in the intervention and control groups who provided exercise instructions [difference 5 0.01 (95% CI, 20.02 to 0.04), P 5 0.44]. More coaches in the intervention group completed a full NMT program [OR 5 4.62 (1.22, 17.50), P 5 0.02]. Conclusions: Coach education can improve adherence to a NMT program and delivery of alignment cues. Coaches should receive in-person training on NMT and how to deliver alignment cues to their athletes while performing the exercises.

Best practices for the dissemination and implementation of neuromuscular training injury prevention warm-ups in youth team sport: a systematic review

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Adherence to an injury prevention program in male amateur football players is affected by players’ age, experience and perceptions

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Team Approach: Neuromuscular Training for Primary and Secondary Prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

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