492 MEP098 – Examining injury prevention in adolescent ladies gaelic football: understanding the barriers, facilitators, and preferences of adolescent players

AbstractBackground Participating in organised sports, such as Ladies Gaelic Football (LGF), during adolescence can lead to physical and mental health benefits (1). However, sports participation is also a major source of adolescent injury (2), and injury is responsible for almost a quarter of Gaelic games drop-out (3).Objective To determine the barriers and facilitators to injury prevention (IP) strategy success in adolescent LGF and identify adolescent LGF players' preferences for IP strategies and educational interventions.Design, Setting & Participants Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 currently active adolescent LGF players (aged 14–17). Eight players compete at club level only (sub-elite) and four compete at both club and county (elite) level. Interviews were audio-recorded via Zoom, transcribed verbatim and a reflexive thematic analysis was completed.Results Negative stakeholder attitudes and issues with education, access to resources, and undesirable IP strategy characteristics were believed to be the primary barriers to IP strategy success. Players felt a suitable IP strategy complemented by promotional activities, support, increased education, open communication, and strong leadership would facilitate adoption. Players preferred a sport-specific IP programme featuring flexibility, strength, and conditioning exercises. They also called for guidance, particularly around load management, and increased support at the governing body, club, and coach levels. Players wanted IP education to focus on IP techniques, injury, and general health. They believed IP education should primarily be delivered in-person with additional supporting resources being provided online. Their desired educators were coaches, players, or health and fitness professionals.Conclusions IP programmes and educational interventions must be designed in accordance with the preferences of stakeholders and backed by both promotional activities and support if long-term adoption is to occur. The ultimate success of future IP strategies will be dependent upon the ability of governing bodies to address the barriers and facilitators that players have identified.