OBJECTIVE: To evaluate best practices for neuromuscular training (NMT) injury prevention warm-up programme dissemination and implementation (D and I) in youth team sports, including characteristics, contextual predictors and D and I strategy effectiveness. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases were searched. ELIGIBILITY: The literature search followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. INCLUSION CRITERIA: participation in a team sport, >= 70% youth participants (< 19 years), D and I outcomes with/without NMT-related D and I strategies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. RESULTS: Of 8334 identified papers, 68 were included. Sport participants included boys, girls and coaches. Top sports were soccer, basketball and rugby. Study designs included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (29.4%), cross-sectional (23.5%) and quasi-experimental studies (13.2%). The median Downs and Black score was 14/33. Injury prevention effectiveness (versus efficacy) was rarely (8.3%) prioritised across the RCTs evaluating NMT programmes. Two RCTs (2.9%) used Type 2/3 hybrid approaches to investigate D and I strategies. 19 studies (31.6%) used D and I frameworks/models. Top barriers were time restrictions, lack of buy-in/support and limited benefit awareness. Top facilitators were comprehensive workshops and resource accessibility. Common D and I strategies included Workshops with supplementary Resources (WR; n = 24) and Workshops with Resources plus in-season Personnel support (WRP; n = 14). WR (70%) and WRP (64%) were similar in potential D and I effect. WR and WRP had similar injury reduction (36 to 72%) with higher adherence showing greater effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Workshops including supplementary resources supported the success of NMT programme implementation, however, few studies examined effectiveness. High-quality D and I studies are needed to optimise the translation of NMT programmes into routine practice in youth sport.
Reproduced with permission from the BMJ Publishing Group.

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