Feasibility of an Injury Prevention Program Delivered Remotely to Youth Soccer Players

Abstract

Adolescents injured playing soccer in the Northern Mariana Islands have limited healthcare resources. Injury prevention programs (IPPs) might decrease the need for healthcare resources, but the staff necessary to deliver those programs is limited. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of an IPP delivered remotely by tracking compliance. Secondarily, it aimed to assess IPP impact on biomechanics associated with injuries. Male and female participants aged 12 to 18 were recruited. They participated in a tuck jump assessment and were provided two evidence-based IPPs weekly for eight weeks. Video links were emailed, and clicks were tracked to determine compliance. If a predetermined % compliance threshold of 33% were reached, the program would continue, the tuck jump assessment repeated, and biomechanics assessed. Thirty-five participants were recruited and provided IPPs. The compliance rate was 1.61% at eight weeks, so the study was terminated. Remote delivery of video IPPs via email to adolescent players in the Northern Mariana Islands with weekly reminders did not reach the level of compliance necessary to impact the risk of injury. Future studies should consider alternative delivery methods, utilize additional accountability methods, and create local accountability to maximize compliance to examine the impact on the risk of injury.