Article Text
Abstract
Background Sport and recreation-related injuries have a significant cost in terms of the impact on the health care system. As prevention researchers and practitioners, we have a responsibility to provide guidance toward prevention to those who participate in sport, and those that coach, treat, and parent children that participate in sport. There are effective interventions to reduce injury in many sport and recreational activities; however, the accessibility of this information, as well as the guidance required to implement it, is often not available and accessible to the public.
Objective The objective of this project was to complete a large-scale systematic review and synthesis of the literature across 51 sport and recreational activities. The evidence was used to inform the development of an end-user driven, digital platform that provides injury prevention information and resources.
Methods An evidence synthesis framework was used to guide a review of reviews of 51 sport and recreational activities by 18 injury prevention trainees from across Canada. Data collection included evidence on the incidence, risk factors, interventions and implementation and evaluation of interventions to reduce the risk of injury in sport. Evidence was critically appraised, extracted, synthesized and translated into clear messaging for use in an online tool.
Findings The ‘Active and Safe’ platform provides web-based sport injury and prevention information. Navigation through the tool brings the user to a sport specific content page subdivided into 4 sections: 1) sport injury overview, 2) incidence, 3) risk factors, and 4) prevention. Users are given evidence-informed, actionable prevention messaging from a personalized sporting context.
Conclusion and policy implications This user friendly, web and mobile accessible tool can increase the reach, awareness and implementation of prevention programming in sport and recreational activity.