Injury Prevention Education for Color Guard Directors: An Occupational Therapy– Informed Pilot Program

Importance: Color guard involves repetitive, high-velocity upper extremity movements, placing performers at increased risk for injury. Limited access to structured injury prevention education contributes to inconsistent implementation among directors. Objective: To examine the feasibility, usability, and preliminary effectiveness of an occupational therapy–informed injury prevention education module for color guard directors. It was hypothesized that participants would demonstrate improved self-efficacy following the intervention. Design: Mixed methods study including structured observation and a quasi-experimental pre– post design. Setting: Winter guard programs across Georgia and virtual delivery of the intervention. Participants: Six programs were observed in Phase 1. Three color guard directors participated in Phase 2 using convenience sampling. Intervention: A 30–45 min virtual educational module based on the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4) and Person–Environment–Occupation model, addressing prevention, treatment, and advocacy. Outcomes and Measures: Self-efficacy was measured using a 10-item Likert-scale pre–post questionnaire. Usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Nonparametric statistics and descriptive analyses were conducted. Results: Self-efficacy scores increased from pretest (M = 41.67) to posttest (M = 48.33), with a mean change of +6.67. Improvements were observed across all participants, particularly in injury prevention and response. Results were not statistically significant (p > .05). Usability scores were high (M = 93.33). Conclusions and Relevance: This intervention demonstrates feasibility and potential to improve director self-efficacy in injury prevention and management. Findings support occupational therapy’s role in injury prevention within performing arts contexts; further research with larger samples is needed. Plain Language Summary: Color guard performers are at risk for injury, but many directors do not receive formal training in injury prevention. This study tested a short online training designed to help directors prevent, recognize, and respond to injuries. After completing the training, directors reported increased confidence in managing injuries and improving performer safety. They also found the training easy to use and helpful. Although only a small number of directors participated, results suggest that this type of education may improve safety and support long-term participation in color guard. This project highlights how occupational therapy can be used in performing arts settings to promote health, prevent injury, and support meaningful participation.