{
  "abstract": "Introduction Implementing an injury prevention exercise programme (IPEP) in school settings may expand the reach of IPEPs to a wider population. A commonly reported barrier to traditional IPEPs is poor engagement from participants. The inclusion of a games-based approach to exercises may facilitate engagement through increased motivation and social interaction. The aim of this study was to determine if a games-based IPEP could reduce injury incidence in Post-Primary School students.Materials and Methods 274 first and fourth year post-primary school students participated in a 12-week randomized controlled trial. The intervention group (n=140) completed a 10-minute games-based warm-up during PE class once per week with games focused on key IPEP components (e.g. jumping and landing, strength, balance, speed and agility). The control group (n=134) completed a standardized 10-minute dynamic warm-up. Activity was recorded retrospectively each week. A modified OSTRC injury questionnaire was completed weekly and reported injuries assessed by a Certified Athletic Therapist.Results Overall, there was a significant reduction in injury incidence in the intervention group (IRR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.417–0.977, p=0.039). Subgroup analysis noted that 1st years (IRR 0.54; 95%CI: 0.321–0.892, p=0.016), and females (IRR 0.51; 95%CI: 0.290–0.890, p=0.018) had significantly greater injury reduction than 4th years and males.Conclusion A 12-week games-based IPEP in PE class reduced injury incidence in post-primary students by 36% compared to controls. Greatest benefits were observed among first-year participants and females, indicating these groups may be particularly responsive. These findings support the intervention’s potential to enhance injury prevention efforts in the general population.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "South East Technological University, Ireland",
        "Dublin City University, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Frank Devereux"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Dublin City University, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Enda Whyte"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Dublin City University, Ireland"
      ],
      "name": "Siobhan O’Connor"
    }
  ],
  "title": "2 The effects of a games-based injury prevention exercise programme on injury incidence in post-primary school students",
  "uid": "2b9b57f7-0774-5f7e-80c8-16bfac1d4bbe"
}