Movement Competency Training Delivery: At School or Online? A Pilot Study of High-School Athletes

Abstract

Movement competency (MC) development of high-school athletes can prepare them for the requirements of physical preparation training and the demands of sport. The aim of this study was to explore the physical effects of and athlete compliance to coach-led versus self-directed training approaches in this population. Thirty-nine high-school athletes (19 male, 14.5 ± 0.3 years old; 20 female, 14.6 ± 0.3 years) were allocated into two groups for a physical preparation program to improve MC. Groups were prescribed either (i) one face-to-face and one online (F2F, n = 18), or (ii) two online (OL, n = 21) sessions per week for 16-weeks. Before and after the intervention, the Athlete Introductory Movement Screen (AIMS) was used to assess MC alongside common physical capacity measures (triple-hop, star-excursion balance, medicine ball throw, 40 m sprint and countermovement jump). Dropout left 22 participants with pre-post physical scores. Compliance with online training was low and F2F session attendance moderate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess participant perceptions following the intervention. Assessing individual responses, the F2F group had a higher proportion of positive responders to AIMS scores, yet capacity measures were inconclusive across groups. Face-to-face coaching when acquiring MCs as part of physical preparation, may provide greater positive perceptions towards training compared to self-directed online prescriptions, and thereby greater compliance.

An exploration of the landscape of fundamental movement skills and strength development in UK professional football academies

“…However, it must be noted that training loads and volumes have to be carefully monitored, with current training time at an all-time high additional homework may be a potential risk factor increasing fatigue or even longer-term burnout. 14 Further, Rogers, Hassmén, Roberts et al 48 added that compliance rates may be low and there is a potential risk of players not completing the homework as intended, which may reinforce poor mechanics.…”

“…14 Further, Rogers, Hassmén, Roberts et al. 48 added that compliance rates may be low and there is a potential risk of players not completing the homework as intended, which may reinforce poor mechanics.…”

Assessing Athletic Motor Skill Competencies in Youths: A Narrative Review of Movement Competency Screens

“…Accordingly, in line with previous findings from research using the CSMT and the modified AAA, movement competency is not fully developed even in athletic youth populations, and technique in AMSC should be continually targeted into adulthood. In another study, Rogers et al (60) used the AIMS to investigate the effectiveness of an online movement competency intervention versus a face-to-face coached intervention. The participants, volunteers recruited from a local high school, demonstrated the lowest levels of competency in the overhead squat movement (60).…”

“…In another study, Rogers et al (60) used the AIMS to investigate the effectiveness of an online movement competency intervention versus a face-to-face coached intervention. The participants, volunteers recruited from a local high school, demonstrated the lowest levels of competency in the overhead squat movement (60).…”