726 FO36 – Players’ perceptions of how to overcome challenges when implementing injury prevention exercise programmes in youth floorball

Background Successful implementation of injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) is necessary to maximise programme effectiveness. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how to reduce barriers to enable implementation and maintenance of IPEPs. Objective To describe players´ perceptions of the injury prevention exercise programmes, Knee Control and Knee Control+, and how challenges to implement these can be overcome. Design Qualitative study with focus group discussions. Analysed with inductive qualitative content analysis. Setting Youth floorball on community level. Participants Male and female youth floorball players, aged 12–17 years, from different clubs in southern Sweden, were strategically selected regarding sex, age group and geographic variation. The players should have used Knee Control or Knee Control+ during the current season. In total, 42 players in six different focus groups, separated by age and sex, were recruited. Interventions The Knee Control and Knee Control+ programs consist of six main exercises and take 10–15 minutes to perform. Main Outcome Measurements N/A due to study design. Results The players illustrated their practical and personal prerequisites for Knee Control/Knee Control+ implementation and use. Barriers that need to be overcome were negative player attitudes, like lack of player motivation and negative perceptions of the programme, and injury related barriers as pain. Facilitators for implementation and use were commitment to Knee Control and team spirit as well as a positive attitude towards the programme together with good structure and continuity. Conclusions Favourable prerequisites, positive player attitudes and established routines seemed to be crucial to overcome challenges for the sustainable implementation of IPEPs, results that may inform future development of implementation strategies.