Research article - (2019)18, 405 - 412
Mobile Athlete Self-Report Measures and the Complexities of Implementation
Ciara M. Duignan1,2,, Patrick J. Slevin1,2, Brian M. Caulfield1,2, Catherine Blake2
1Insight Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Ireland
2School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland

Ciara M. Duignan
✉ Insight Centre for Data Analytics, O’Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Email: ciara.duignan@insight-centre.org
Received: 04-03-2019 -- Accepted: 08-05-2019
Published (online): 01-08-2019

ABSTRACT

Recent practice in athlete monitoring has seen the development and implementation of customized, digital Athlete Self-Report Measures or Mobile Athlete Self-Report Measures (M-ASRM) across various sport settings, including amateur sports such as Gaelic Games. Successful implementation of M-ASRM requires significant consideration of the use context and limitations therein, an investment of time and expertise by staff and buy-in from key stakeholders, yet there is limited evidence of these considerations being applied in practice. This study aimed to investigate stakeholder perceptions regarding the implementation processes and understanding of a pre-existing M-ASRM in elite Gaelic Games. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the use of a topic guide to explore the rationale, introduction and use of M-ASRM. Participants were 21 M-ASRM users in elite Gaelic Games (players n = 10, coaches and support staff n = 11), from 15 teams. Thematic analysis was conducted collaboratively by two authors, adopting an inductive approach and coding the transcripts using NVivo 12 software. Four higher-order themes were formed from the data: (1) clarity of purpose; (2) implementation strategies; (3) players perceptions of use and (4) perceived facilitators of M-ASRM use. The results of this study demonstrate a significant underestimation of the practical requirements for successful implementation of an M-ASRM by users in elite Gaelic Games. Recommendations are made for implementation and best practice use, including shared decision-making, evidence-based education strategies, structured feedback channels and improved planning with regards to feasibility and responsibility.

Key words: Athlete monitoring, well-being, training load response, facilitators

Key Points
  • M-ASRM are often not well prepared, understood or implemented by users in elite Gaelic Games.
  • Shared decision making between athletes and CSS should be utilised for improved stakeholder engagement and successful M-ASRM implementation.
  • Stakeholder engagement should be reinforced and maintained with an applied importance on the system and visible M-ASRM use by coaches and support staff.
  • M-ASRM education strategies should be applied and actionable for athletes.
  • Stakeholder feedback on an M-ASRM should be structured, actionable and bi-directional.








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