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977 Sports and exercise safety in Finland live – an implementation program to sport clubs and schools
  1. J Parkkari,
  2. K Pasanen,
  3. A-M Jussila,
  4. R Oksanen,
  5. A Ojala,
  6. K Autio,
  7. P Kannus
  1. Tampere Research Centre of Sports Medicine, UKK Institute, Finland

Abstract

Background Number of sports injuries has increased in Finland during the past decades. Today sports injuries are the most common injury type. Children, youth and especially young men are at high risk.

Objective The purpose of the LiVE program is to increase safety of sports and exercise in a nationwide setting.

Results Implementation of the national and international study findings are conducted in three main projects; Healthy Athlete (2006-), Safety in School Sports (2010-) and Smart Moves (2014-). The primary target groups are young athletes, their coaches and parents, elementary and vocational school pupils and their teachers. Programs main communication channels are websites: www.terveurheilija.fi, www.tervekoululainen.fi and www.smartmoves.fi.

The program has educated over 80 tutors and 50 sport nutritionist. The Tutor Network and Sport Nutrition Society share the same education materials and injury prevention strategies. Purposes of networks are to implement preventive strategies against sport injuries among target groups by offering education and counselling by local experts. LiVE program has also introduced itself to projects’ target groups in numerous events and organised several seminars. LiVE websites and expert intranet offers a large source of information and practical tools.

Conclusion Successful development and implementation of preventive strategies against sports injuries are likely to reduce athletes’ health problems, sport, work and school absenteeism, and medical costs. The effects of the LiVE programme will be seen within five to ten years.

Funding The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health & The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture

  • sports injury
  • prevention
  • physical activity
  • sports safety

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