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DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/jsmahs.08.04.04

Abstract

Introduction: Cadets frequently suffer from lower extremity injuries, but fail to participate in effective injury prevention programs (IPPs). The purpose of this study was to determine if an intervention focused on benefits and barriers of IPP with participation in an IPP would change attitudes towards participating in IPPs and functional performance. Methods: Thirty-four ROTC cadets (Male: n=28, Age: 19.67±1.45 years, Height: 175.57±8.30cm, Mass: 75.38±14.30kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants completed the Health Belief Model Scale (HBMS), Theory of Planned Behavior Scale (TPBS), Y-Balance test, Landing Error Scoring System, 2-mile run, push-up test, and sit-up test. During the Army Physical Fitness program, the Dynamic Integrated Movement Enhancement (DIME) program was implemented by cadet student leaders whom also tracked compliance. Every 2 weeks, participants would self-report participation in the DIME and also be exposed to the intervention presented as an infographic on the benefits and barriers of the DIME as well as potential solutions for barriers. All testing was repeated at the end of the fall semester. Results: Compliance over the 10-week period was 87.2%. Participants had improvements in individual self-efficacy, Y-Balance test performance, 2-mile run, and sit-up test. However, HBMS perceived consequences, HBMS perceived benefits, HBMS community-led self-efficacy, TPBS perceived benefits, TPBS perceived barriers, TPBS social norms, TPBS social influence, and TPBS intention to participate all worsened. The most common reason for lack of participation in the DIME was time. Discussion: Participants were more confident in their ability to participate in IPPs after the intervention and also improved in several aspects of functional performance. However, several subscales worsened after participation. Future research should focus on determining effective strategies to improve attitudes towards IPP participation to enhance compliance.

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