Implementing a School Prevention Program to Reduce Injuries Through Neuromuscular Training

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training in Decreasing the Risk of Sport and Recreational Injuries and Improving Healthy Outcomes in Junior High School Students

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a neuromuscular training program in decreasing sport and recreational injuries and improving healthy outcomes in junior high school students (grades 7 to 9). The neuromuscular training program is implemented as a 15-minute warm-up at the beginning of the students' physical education classes over a three-month period. This study is a randomized controlled trial design, involving twelve schools over a three-year period. Upon enrolment into the study, schools are randomly assigned to the intervention (neuromuscular training) group, or the control group. The control group includes a standard-of practice warm-up consisting of aerobic components and static stretching.

A study athletic therapist visits the schools each week to assess and record information on any injuries sustained by study participants. Baseline health and physical fitness is measured at baseline, and again at 3-month follow-up in study participants to assess changes over the course of the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

SCHOOLS

• junior high schools with a minimum of two physical education classes per week, per class
• physical education classes that are taught or co-taught by a physical education specialist

SUBJECTS

• students aged 11-15 who are fully participating in physical education curriculum at baseline
• students who return completed assent and parental consent forms

Exclusion Criteria:

SCHOOLS

• schools that are culturally distinct
• schools that have students that are of single sex
• schools that cater to students with special needs
• schools with incomplete grades

SUBJECTS

• history of musculoskeletal disorders or medical condition that prevents participation in regular physical education curriculum
• history of musculoskeletal injury within 6 weeks prior to study commencement that restricts full participation in physical education
• at least 80% of participation in physical education classes over the course of the study