Co-creation of a sport-specific anterior cruciate ligament injury risk reduction program for women: A concept mapping approach

Abstract Objectives To engage physiotherapists experienced in female elite sport and athletes to co-create a sport-specific anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk reduction program. Design Concept Mapping. Methods The Concept Systems Global MAX™ web platform was used to collect and analyse data from 27 context and content experts (22 physiotherapists, 5 athletes). Participants brainstormed statements representing the critical elements that should be included in an ACL injury risk reduction program for women playing elite Australian Football (AF). Results Twenty-two participants brainstormed 56 statements that were synthesised and edited to 62 statements. Statements were sorted into clusters by twenty-three participants and rated on importance and feasibility using six-point scales. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis identified a 5-cluster solution as follows: Football-specific preparation (15 statements); Movement skills (17 statements); Strength and conditioning (15 statements); Individual preparation (7 statements); and Education (8 statements). Calculation of mean ratings for each cluster and statement identified the Movement skills cluster as most important (mean = 3.61 out of 5) and the Football-specific preparation cluster as most feasible (3.75 out of 5). By contrast, the Individual preparation cluster was rated the least important (mean = 2.9 out of 5), and the least feasible (3.12 out of 5), to include in the program. Conclusions The five clusters of critical elements to include in an ACL injury risk reduction program for women playing elite AF, in order of most to least importance were: movement skills, football-specific preparation, education, strength and conditioning and individual preparation.