Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess feasibility and acceptability of AERIAL©, a 12-week heading training program developed by VICIS© in collaboration with the University of Washington (UW). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study with n=21 youth (9 male, 12 female) from 2 premier level U12 soccer teams in the Seattle area. Coaches were trained regarding the AERIAL© program, instructing youth to perform the drills each week while correcting form. Drills focused on active core strength, spatial awareness, and heading progression and took approximately 20 minutes per week. Data were collected at three time points (baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks) with a primary outcome of feasibility and acceptability, secondary outcome of heading confidence, and an exploratory outcome of heading safety behaviors (assessed via standardized video at the same three time points). RESULTS: Feasibility and acceptability were high for all stakeholders (mean/total, standard deviation): youth (4.60/5, SD 0.28), parents (4.52/5, SD 0.86), and coaches (3.83/5, SD 0.55). Heading confidence significantly improved in females in both games and practice from baseline to 6 weeks (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank, p=0.0033 games and p=0.032 practice), and remained stable at 12 weeks. Males reported a high level of heading confidence at baseline and had no significant increases during the study. Video coding indicated a number of safety behaviors were present at baseline in nearly all athletes (eyes open, core and neck as one, contact with front of head, squared shoulders), while other safety behaviors increased during the training period, though not significant with this small sample size: 1) legs staggered 2) knees bent 3) arms up and 4) palms open. CONCLUSION: The AERIAL© program appears to be a feasible and acceptable means for introducing youth to heading and aerial maneuvers, and preliminary data suggests potential efficacy for improving safety and performance.
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