493 MEP094 – Injury prevention in ladies gaelic football: the barriers, facilitators, and preferences of adult players and coaches

AbstractBackground Over the last decade, injury rates in Ladies Gaelic Football (LGF) have remained high, indicating that injury prevention (IP) strategies are desperately needed (1). Despite efforts to implement IP strategies, adoption has been low and players continue to suffer injuries (2). Objective To explore the barriers and facilitators to IP success in LGF, as well as the preferences of adult LGF players and coaches towards IP strategies and education.Methods 13 coaches and 10 players currently active in LGF took part in online one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Of the thirteen coaches, there were four inter-county coaches (elite-level) and nine club coaches (sub-elite level). Two of the ten players competed at both inter-county and club level, while eight played solely club level LGF. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and a reflexive thematic analysis was conducted.Results Poor stakeholder attitudes, knowledge, accessibility, communication, and unsuitable IP programme characteristics were identified as key barriers by participants. While IP promotion, appropriate IP programme characteristics, open communication and strong leadership were emphasised as major facilitators. Stakeholders preferred IP programmes that were sports-specific, fun, accessible, and mostly team-based with some individual components. They requested IP education be integrated into existing coaching courses, convey the importance of IP, and explain how to effectively implement IP programmes.Conclusions Coaches and players need greater education and resources to overcome existing barriers and require significant promotional activities to transform preconceived negative attitudes. IP programmes need to be implemented consistently from an early age to become part of the game's culture and alter behaviour (3). Dedicated player role models and coaches are crucial in encouraging long-term IP programme adoption (4). The barriers and facilitators to IP success in LGF need to be addressed and the preferences of end-users implemented if future IP strategies and educational interventions are to be effective.