Factors Influencing the Implementation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Strategies by Girls Soccer Coaches

• DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e31827ef12e
• Publication Date: 2013-01-03T13:43:33Z
• Authors: Elizabeth A. Joy; John R. Taylor; Melissa A. Novak; Michael Chen; Barbara P. Fink; Christina A. Poru...
• Keywords: ACL injury; Trainer; Offensive

Women are 3 times more likely to injure their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing soccer than men. ACL injury prevention programs (IPPs) involving stretching and strengthening drills can reduce the incidence of when incorporated into routine training. The rate implementation among coaches is largely unknown. purpose this study was determine IPP, identify factors that influence implementation, acquire information assist in design dissemination strategies. Study subjects were woman players aged 11-22 years Utah (n = 756). Data gathered using a Web-based survey followed by qualitative which "best practice coaches"-coaches who met criteria for successful IPP-were interviewed via telephone. A minority respondents, 19.8% (27/136), have implemented IPP. Factors associated with include length coaching experience presence additional support staff such as strength conditioning coach or athletic trainer. Best (14/136) unanimously agreed on following: (a) there performance-enhancing benefits (b) education should be required licensure, (c) will require associations enact policies IPPs. In conclusion, girls IPP those do so because they believe improves performance organizations requiring implementation. Efforts implement driven organizations, emphasize benefits, engage staff.