Setting our minds to implementation

BokSmart – implementing a National Rugby Safety Programme

“…In practice, one needs to find a realistic solution combining both science and pragmatism to lead to positive behavioural change 8 9. Even the most scientifically proven, effective interventions do not necessarily guarantee compliance, or translate into success, in preventing injuries in the real-world context 1 8 9. Only proven and effective interventions that become standard practice will stand a chance of preventing these injuries 8.…”

“…Even the most scientifically proven, effective interventions do not necessarily guarantee compliance, or translate into success, in preventing injuries in the real-world context 1 8 9. Only proven and effective interventions that become standard practice will stand a chance of preventing these injuries 8. Many interventions do not take this into account and sometimes are simply not usable in the field 8…”

“…If one explores the current literature available, there are various models to strategically align injury-prevention initiatives 1 2 8 9. In practice, your approach sometimes becomes a myriad of these, especially when the sporting landscape, as in SA, is extremely diverse with different cultures, languages, socioeconomic statuses and disparate levels of education.…”

“…The main requirement is now to establish whether the knowledge and skills acquired by the coaches and referees are actually being translated into their practices on field 8. An expert, international research team is currently evaluating the implementation of the BokSmart programme9 in collaboration with the University of Cape Town's Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sport Medicine.…”

Neuromuscular training strategies for preventing lower limb injuries: what's new and what are the practical implications of what we already know?

“…Assuming that such programmes are relatively safe, efficient (eg, no individual screening, team-based training and no costs for equipment) and, most importantly, can be implemented and sustained on a wide scale, then these findings might be important. However, the extent to which the results from efficacy or effectiveness studies might be extrapolated to the real sport world remains to be further elucidated 10. The studies evaluated here focused on competitive young athletes engaged in ball sports only, and all were engaged either in school teams or clubs organised by professional sports leagues.…”