37th Annual Student Research Conference
Mental Preparedness of Athletes to Return to Sports Post-Injury
Sidney Wickwire
Dr. Brandy Schneider and Dr. Greg Williams (Cleveland University ), Faculty Mentors
PURPOSE: While physical rehabilitation is the primary focus after an injury, the psychological health of an athlete should be considered. Psychological readiness is an assessment that determines if an athlete is in a correct state of mind to participate at their intended level. METHODS: Participants completed a survey consisting of the modified ACL-RSI, modified I-PRRS, demographic, and honesty questions. RESULTS: The readiness to return to sport surveys appear to be injury specific and are not interchangeable (r=.001). Sixty-eight percent reported they would not be honest on a psychological readiness return to sport survey if it hindered their play status. Eight percent reported a 100% overall confidence in returning to play after a musculoskeletal injury. CONCLUSION: Injured athletes may be physically ready for participation, but psychologically lack confidence in the healing process and focused on the previous injury. The psychological readiness to return to sport assessments should not be used interchangeably.
Keywords: Injury, Psychological Assessment, Survey, Injury Specific , Not interchangeable , Lack honesty
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 401-3
Location: Alumni Room
Time: 2:30