The Effects of an Exercise Programme on Neuromuscular Outcomes in Gaelic Sport

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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A randomized control trial examining the effects of an exercise based injury prevention programme on postural control and jump landing mechanics. Randomization of 4 teams, 2 Gaelic football and 2 hurling teams to exercise intervention and control groups. Participants are tested using Y Balance test and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS).

Detailed Description
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Gaelic football and hurling, a stick and ball game, are Irish amateur games components of explosiveness with the multi-directional nature of both games, in addition to the overhead activities and the high level of contact involved; makes it a high risk of injury, especially during match-play. Recent systematic reviews found that injury prevention exercise programmes can significantly reduce the relative risk of lower extremity injuries. Several studies have successfully incorporated exercise components including balance, plyometrics, strength, neuromuscular training, running and cutting movement patterns to prevent injuries in sports such as soccer, basketball, and handball. This study examines the effect of an injury prevention programme on 2 recognized risk factors for lower limb injury balance and jump landing mechanics.

Official Title
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The Effects of an Exercise Based Injury Prevention Programme on Neuromuscular Outcomes in Gaelic Football and Hurling Players, a Randomised Controlled Trial

Conditions
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Focus of Study is Effects of Neuromuscular Training

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: GAA 15
* Other: Control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Participants registered on Collegiate Gaelic football or hurling team, which trained at least twice per week. To be over the age of 18 years No current injuries Exclusion Criteria: Injuries of the lower limb preventing training or completing the testing

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Intervention<br>GAA 15 Specific neuromuscular exercise training | Other: GAA 15<br>* Neuromuscular injury prevention training<br>|
| Active Comparator: Control<br>Control Usual training | Other: Control<br>* Usual training<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Y Balance test | Dynamic balance reach test | baseline to 8-weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Landing error scoring system | Assessment of jump landing movement pattern | baseline to 8-weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Balance, Exercise