Long-term implementation of preventive training programs (PTP) in youth sport requires coach involvement. However, the optimal training of coaches to effectively implement a PTP remains unknown. It is also unknown if the benefits of PTP can be enhanced with multiple sport seasons of exposure. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of prior PTP exposure on movement technique in youth soccer players after completing a coach-led PTP. DESIGN: Cluster-randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Twelve youth soccer teams (n = 89; age range 8 to 14 years) were divided into groups with (experience (EXP); 6 teams (n = 18 females, n = 25 males)) and without (novice (NOV); 6 teams (n = 30 females, n = 16 males)) previous professional-led PTP experience. The coaches and players of the EXP teams were exposed to an eight-week professional-led PTP before the coach-led PTP. EXP and NOV coaches attended the educational workshop prior to implementing the coach-led PTP. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) was used to evaluate movement technique. RESULTS: Both groups improved LESS scores over time (mean difference +/- SD (post minus pre) -0.8 +/- 0.2, 95%CI -1.2 to -0.4, p = 0.0001). Of the 64 participants classified as high risk for injury (LESS >= 5) prior to PTP implementation, a greater proportion of EXP (n = 14) compared to NOV (n = 7) participants changed risk classification from high to low (LESS delta >= 1 and LESS < 5; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our PTP enhanced movement technique regardless of PTP experience, but the benefits of the PTP impacted a proportionally greater number of players with previous PTP experience supporting continued PTP implementation. Coaches effectively implemented an exercise-based PTP after attending a training workshop regardless of previous PTP experience.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher