WHO STAYS FIT? Incidence, aetiology and prevention of sport injuries in physical education teacher education students

The main goal was to develop knowledge on incidence, aetiology, and prevention of injury in PETE students. The findings indicated relatively high injury incidence rates. The majority of injuries involved the lower extremities and most commonly occur during curricular practices (i.e., gymnastics) and extra-curricular games (i.e., soccer). The most common injuries involved the ankle, lower leg (e.g., MTSS), and knee. The primary injury mechanism was gradual onset non-contact, but the main mechanisms differed between practices (i.e., sudden onset non-contact) and games (i.e., contact with a person). Acute injuries were most commonly associated with landings, falls, and explosive movements. Factors associated with increased likelihood for injury were: decreased dynamic balance (males only), increased BMI, injury history, and sex (female). Given the students, injuries were a threat to academic success. Hence, they embraced the need for prevention. They approached injury prevention in a multi-faceted and dynamic way and mainly aimed at preventing recurrence or worsening of injuries. Their primary strategy was to balance load and recovery. To successfully apply preventive strategies, PETE students needed to communicate with their stakeholders (e.g., PETE teachers, sports trainers), learn what works, be good at self-management, share responsibilities, and acquire social support. Performing well (e.g., academic success, sports) and care for the body were the main motives to stay fit and prevent injuries. Preventive strategies need to consider these factors and motives to support successful implementation and uptake. The students themselves suggested that injury prevention could be improved, mainly by improving load management (e.g., schedules) and injury prevention education. It is recommended to work forward on developing a multi-factorial preventive strategy, including enhancing load management (e.g., schedules), safety aspects in sport classes, screening, injury prevention education, and neuromuscular training.