The reality of NMT warm-up programs: Does research translate into real-world implementation?
Date
2023-06-14
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Abstract
This MSc thesis includes two manuscript-style chapters focused on the best practices for the dissemination and implementation (D&I) of neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-ups programs in youth team sport and video analysis of warm-up procedures in Calgary youth soccer. The systematic review examined the current practices for the D&I of NMT warm-up programs in youth (19 years old) team sport. Key results from this systematic review indicate there are few high-level studies evaluating D&I strategies for NMT warm-up program delivery. Limited studies utilize D&I behaviour change frameworks/models. Coach workshops with supplementary resources are the primary strategy and facilitator for implementation success. The second study takes a deeper dive into implementation, looking at real-world usage of NMT warm-up programs in a local context using video analysis. This study investigated U13-U17 male and female elite and non-elite Calgary youth soccer warm-ups for both practices and games during the outdoor 2022 season. Findings of this study determined limited mean time spent in overall warm-ups (322.4 seconds/session; 95% CI: 250.3, 394.5) and minimal time spent in NMT components (202.2 seconds/session; 95% CI: 150.3, 254.2) across all teams. Significant increase in mean time spent in aerobic was found for male elite teams for practice warm-ups in the beginning of the season (timepoint 1) compared to mid-season (timepoint 2, p = 0.005; timepoint 3, p < 0.001; and timepoint 4, p < 0.001). No other changes were found from the remaining groups, regardless of session type. When evaluating differences in overall warm-ups and time spent in NMT components, male elite teams spent more mean time in aerobic than female elite teams in practice warm-ups (-335.8 seconds, 95% CI: -413.8, -257.8); no differences were seen in games. No significant differences were found between male and female non-elite teams for either session type. Despite recommendations, the status of warm-up program implementation in youth team sport globally, and youth soccer setting locally, do not reflect research suggestions for achieving health-related benefits. Overall, these studies highlight the need for more pragmatic efforts to promote successful, long-term uptake of NMT warm-up programs, suggesting further incorporation of critical NMT components into routines.
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Keywords
injury prevention (NMT), youth, sport, soccer, implementation, video analysis
Citation
Lutz, D. (2023). The reality of NMT warm-up programs: Does research translate into real-world implementation? (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.