Coach-led preventive training program in youth soccer players improves movement technique.
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.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of prior PTP exposure on movement technique in youth soccer players after completing a coach-led PTP.


METHODS
Cluster-randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Twelve youth soccer teams (n=89; age range 8-14 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-pre]=-0.8±0.2, 95%CI [-1.2, -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 (LESSΔ≥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.
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, USA; Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fresno, USA. Electronic address: lukepryor@csufresno.edu.
J Luke
JL
Pryor
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, USA.
Hayley J
HJ
Root
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, USA.
Lesley W
LW
Vandermark
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, USA; Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fresno, USA.
Riana R
RR
Pryor
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, USA.
Jessica C
JC
Martinez
College of Medicine, Drexel University, USA.
Thomas H
TH
Trojian
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, USA.
Craig R
CR
Denegar
Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, USA.
Lindsay J
LJ
DiStefano
D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000071252:Mentoring; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods*; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology
Anterior cruciate ligament; Injury prevention; Landing Error Scoring System; Pediatric sports medicine