Feasibility study of a novel co-designed online training program for circus coaches working with preschool-aged children born preterm

Abstract

Purpose: Providing specialised training to community-based physical activity instructors (such as circus coaches) has been identified as a potential strategy to increase participation for preschool-aged children born preterm. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of a novel co-designed training program CirqAll: professional development for circus coaches (CirqAll:PD), which aimed to increase coaches knowledge, skills, and confidence in working with children born preterm. Materials and methods: CirqAll:PD consisted of 10-hours of online self-directed content and four 90-minute online workshops completed over four weeks. Recruitment capability, acceptability, implementation fidelity and limited efficacy testing were evaluated using a case series design. Results: Fifty-one circus coaches were enrolled, and 27 completed CirqAll:PD. Reasons for attrition were primarily related to the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability s (TFA) concept of burden. All 27 coaches indicated that CirqAll:PD was acceptable (TFA questionnaire). Overall intervention fidelity was high (high adherence to planned delivery, moderate adherence to dosage, and excellent participant responsiveness). Limited efficacy testing revealed positive trends regarding coaches knowledge, skills, and confidence (Determinants of Implementation Behaviour Questionnaire). Conclusions: These results support the feasibility of CirqAll:PD. Adaptations to reduce attrition and burden on participants are required prior to further testing.