Effectiveness of a school-based physical activity-related injury prevention program on risk behavior and neuromotor fitness a cluster randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the effects of a school-based physical activity-related injury prevention program, called 'iPlay', on risk behavior and neuromotor fitness.MethodsIn this cluster randomized controlled trial 40 primary schools throughout the Netherlands were randomly assigned in an intervention (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The study includes 2,210 children aged 10-12 years.The iPlay-intervention takes one school year and consists of a teacher manual, informative newsletters and posters, a website, and simple exercises to be carried out during physical education classes.Outcomes measures were self-reported injury preventing behavior, self-reported behavioral determinants (knowledge, attitude, social-influence, self-efficacy, and intention), and neuromotor fitness.ResultsThe iPlay-program was not able to significantly improve injury-preventing behavior. The program did significantly improve knowledge and attitude, two determinants of behavior. The effect of the intervention-program on behavior appeared to be significantly mediated by knowledge and attitude. Improved scores on attitude, social norm, self-efficacy and intention were significantly related to changes in injury preventing behavior. Furthermore, iPlay resulted in small non-significant improvements in neuromotor fitness in favor of the intervention group.ConclusionThis cluster randomized controlled trial showed that the iPlay-program did significantly improved behavioral determinants. However, this effect on knowledge and attitude was not strong enough to improve injury preventing behavior. Furthermore, the results confirm the hypothetical model that injury preventing behavior is determined by intention, attitude, social norm and self-efficacy.Trial numberISRCTN78846684

An Intergenerational Approach in the Promotion of Balance and Strength for Fall Prevention – A Mini-Review

“…Further training resulted in small non-significant improvements in neuromotor fitness in favor of the intervention group [44] . In addition, a substantial and relevant reduction in physical activity injuries (50%), especially in children of the low-activity group, was found [45] ( fig. 2 ).…”

“…Further, in a neurophysiologic approach, EMG responses to muscle stretch in the upper limb study were investigated in children. The results of this study indicated that long-latency EMG responses, probably involving supraspinal pathways, are already present at 2-3 years of age, but that the duration of these Development of static and dynamic balance across the life span (schematic illustration based on data from two studies [11,12]) and training-induced changes in balance performance (flow chart based on data from various studies [35,46,62,63]) and fall/injury reduction in children [45] and seniors [48,49]. Note: a range is presented when more than two studies were cited.…”

“…In fact, Bean et al [29] observed that leg power is an important factor influencing the physical performance of mobility-limited older people. Although related to strength, it is a separate attribute [27]) and training-induced changes in strength performance (flow chart based on data from two studies [53,64]) and fall/injury reduction in children [45] and seniors [65]. Note: a range is presented when more than two studies were cited.…”

“…The results of the gait analysis indicated that the walking pattern became more symmetrical after the training. Recently, the effects of a school-based physical activity-related injury prevention program on risk behavior, neuromotor fitness and injury incidence was studied in children aged 10-12 years [44,45] . The intervention lasted 1 school year and consisted of informative newsletters and posters for the children and their parents.…”

No longer lost in translation: the art and science of sports injury prevention implementation research

“…An American study evaluated the delivery of a Tai Chi group exercise programme to prevent falls in community dwelling older people through community health services 35. A Dutch school-based study evaluated the translatability and flexibility elements of a school-based programme aimed at preventing physical activity related injuries 36. An Australian study reported coaches' feedback on the implementation of a safe landings programme through targeted coach education sessions followed by coach delivery of the principles to their teams of junior netball players 37…”