Exploring the perspectives of adolescent Ladies Gaelic Football players towards injury prevention: a qualitative study

In Ladies Gaelic football (LGF) there are 5.90 injury claims per 1000 adolescents per year. Injuries to adolescent players can negatively affect well-being, cause drop-out, and lead to the development of chronic conditions later in life. Evidence suggests injury prevention (IP) programmes designed for Gaelic games can reduce injury incidence, however, these programmes are not yet widely adopted. The aims of this study were to (1) determine the barriers and facilitators to IP strategy success in adolescent LGF and (2) identify adolescent LGF players’ preferences for IP strategies and educational interventions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 current adolescent LGF players (aged 14–17). The interviews were transcribed and reflexive thematic analysis was completed. This analysis involved gradually developing sub-themes, themes, and categories around the main concepts discussed in the interviews. Four players compete at both club and county level, and eight players compete at club level only. The main barriers to strategy success were negative stakeholder attitudes and issues with accessibility, knowledge, and unsuitable IP strategy characteristics. Players believed an appropriate IP strategy paired with promotional activities, support, strong leadership, improved education, and open communication would facilitate adoption. Players preferred an accessible, sport-specific IP programme containing flexibility, strength, and conditioning exercises. They felt this should be accompanied by guidance in several areas, particularly, load management, plus support from the governing body, clubs, and coaches. Players wanted IP education for players, coaches, and parents that focuses on injury prevention techniques, injury, and general health advice. They believed education would best be delivered in-person by educated coaches, players, or health and fitness professionals and supported by online resources. Reducing injury incidence and burden in the community sport of LGF is important. If the success of future IP strategies is to be maximized, the barriers and facilitators highlighted by adolescent players need to be addressed. Additionally, IP programmes and educational interventions designed to fit the preferences of stakeholders must be released and backed by governing bodies to support long-term adoption. Participating in organized sports such as Ladies Gaelic football is the leading cause of injury in adolescents, and the adoption rate of existing injury prevention programmes is low. To enhance injury prevention programme adoption, and ultimately reduce injury incidence in adolescent players, a new injury prevention strategy is required. This strategy should address negative attitudes, limited accessibility, and lack of education and establish programmes and educational interventions, which are reinforced by support, promotional activities, and strong leadership.