PARIPRE

PARIPRE – Physical activity-related injuries prevention in adolescents

European Commission, EACEA Agency: Erasmus+ Sport, Collaborative Partnerships

Grant Agreement no.: 622594-EPP-1-2020-1-SK-SPO-SCP

Project duration: 1. 1. 2021–31. 12. 2023

Project holder at ZRS Koper: Boštjan Šimunič, PhD

Participating institute at ZRS Koper: Institute for Kinesiology Research

Partner organisations:

• University of Presov (UNIPO), Slovakia (lead partner)
• Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS), Slovenia
• Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice (UPJS), Slovakia
• Sports Union of Slovenia (SUS), Slovenia
• Institute of Mother and Child Foundation (IMCF), Poland
• UKK Institute – Centre for Health Promotion Research, Finland
• Palacky University Olomouc (PUO), Czech Republic
• National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), Slovenia

Regular physical activity is one of the most cited health protective factors for the prevention of the leading noncommunicable diseases. In adolescence, physical activity contributes to healthy development of musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, maintenance of optimal body weight, and it is also associated with numerous psychological and social benefits. Nonetheless, physical activity as health promotion tool is not one without adverse effects.

The literature provides sufficient examples of epidemiological studies that describe the incidence and burden of physical activity-related injuries sustained during high-intensity sports and also during recommended types of lower intensity physical activity. Therefore, active physical activity-related injuries prevention and recognition of their risk factors must be integral component of physical activity promotion.

PARIPRE (Physical activity-related injuries prevention in adolescents) project aims to address all six domains proposed by Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for physical activity-related injuries prevention: Data and Surveillance, Research, Communication, Education and training, Health systems and health care, and Policy. To cover first two domains, PARIPRE will use cross-sectional study (Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey) to gather epidemiological data about physical activity-related injuries in participating countries and intervention study to determine effect of newly designed intervention programme on injuries in adolescents.

To cover other four domains the project will use various activities such as preparation of scientific papers and evidence-based recommendations, creating promotion materials, web page and social media profile and organising workshops for pre-service and in-service teachers and coaches, medical providers, researchers and policy makers.