Devereux F, Whyte E, Issartel J, Belton S, O'Connor S. Current Practices, Willingness and Perceived Ability to Implement an Injury Prevention Exercise Program Among Post-Primary Physical Education Teachers.
THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023;
93:25-33. [PMID:
36029135 PMCID:
PMC10087731 DOI:
10.1111/josh.13242]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Musculoskeletal injuries are common in adolescents, and recently schools have been suggested as an opportune location for injury prevention strategies. This study aimed to identify the current practices and perceptions of post-primary PE teachers in Ireland on injury prevention exercise programs (IPEP), which are key to informing potential implementation strategies.
METHODS
Post-primary PE teachers (n = 287) completed an online anonymous survey. Outcome measures included current IPEP practices in PE class, teachers' attitudes toward IPEPs, willingness to implement, and perceived ability to implement an IPEP in PE class. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare differences between groups.
RESULTS
Results indicated that only 1 in 5 PE teachers currently used an IPEP in class. Of these, no teacher used an existing IPEP exactly as intended, while most teachers were willing to implement an IPEP (80.5%). Those who previously received formal IPEP education or were aware of an existing IPEP had significantly higher perceived ability to implement an IPEP in class (p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that despite a willingness among PE teachers to implement IPEPs in class, few currently do. Thus, post-primary PE class may be an under-utilized setting for adolescent injury prevention and warrants further investigation.
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