Implementation and evaluation of the feasibility of a musculoskeletal (MSk) injury toolkit for schools’ rugby and other team sports

This exciting project will build on innovative and ground-breaking research conducted by researchers at Ulster University into the phenomena of injury and awareness of sports related musculoskeletal injury management in adolescent / schools rugby in Northern Ireland among schools’ rugby coaches, school teachers, players and parents.

​You will develop and conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the delivery and implementation of an education focused musculoskeletal injury toolkit for schools rugby players.

​Aims:

1. ​Evaluation of the toolkit

1. ​Recommendations for implementation of the toolkit at local level

1. ​Examine the opportunity to extend the scope of the toolkit beyond schools rugby

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Objectives:

1. ​Working with designated local schools, roll out the toolkit for one calendar year of schools rugby

1. ​Evaluate the use of the toolkit from all stakeholders (pupils, coaches, parents) perspectives

1. ​Engage with coaches and pupils from other schools to evaluate the value of the toolkit for other sporting activities

​Methods:

1. ​From a group of schools already identified through the previous research prepare the toolkit for dissemination and work with the stakeholders to implement the toolkit for one school calendar year.  This will include training in the use of the toolkit and support in the implementation at local level

1. ​Carry out both qualitative and quantitative activities including surveys, focus groups and one-to-one interviews to determine the feasiblity of implementing the toolkit in the schools

1. ​Using existing networks, engage with new stakeholders to examine the opportunity for rolling out the toolkit to other schools sports.  Deliver a townhall event to capture the views of stakeholders with follow-up qualitative research to address particular nuances for other sports