Lecture 11: Psychology of sport injuries

Question 1

Defining injury

Answer 1

• Trauma to body that results in at least temporary physical disability & inhibition of motor function
• Injury and discomfort = discomfort is a feeling associated with injury but injury includes loss/change in function

Question 2

Factors that contribute

Answer 2

• Physical = fatigue, overtraining, muscle imbalances…
• Social = social attitudes & values, normalisation of pain + injury
• Psychological = personality factors, coping resources

Question 3

Stress response

Answer 3

1) Cognitive appraisal
- High demands + low perceived ability + high perceived important
= stress response activation -> higher perceived state anxiety, physiological + atentional changes
2) Physiological & attentional changes
- Increased muscle tension
- Narrowing of visual field
- Increased distractability
= all increases risk of injury

Question 4

Psychosocial factors that contribute to an ‘at-risk’ profile

Answer 4

1) History of stressors
- Major life events
- Daily hassles
- Previous injuries
= all increase stress response once it has been activated
2) Personality and coping resources
- Personality factors
- Coping resources
= both increase stress reposnse, moderate the impact of life stress on stress response

Question 5

How do we respond once injured

Answer 5

1) Cognitive appraisal = includes personal factors + situational factors
2) Emotional response
3) Behavioural response

Question 6

Do psychological responses impact physiological recovery?

Answer 6

Three phases of physiological healing:
1) Acute inflammatory response phase = mobilise immune system
2) Proliferation phase = immune cells remove damaged tissue
3) Remodeling phase = regeneration & strengthening occur
Physiological distress may results in:
1) Increase autonomic nervous system activity & reduced immune response
2) Increase catecholamines & glucocorticoids leading ti impaired movement of immune cells to injury site & impaired removal of damaged tissue
3) Inhibition of anabolic proceses by reduced actions of growth hormone & insulin-like growth factors

Question 7

Adherence to rehab protocols

Answer 7

• One of major behavioural responses to injury is adherences to recommended rehab protocol
• Involves = attendance at clinic appointments & complete activities
  = modification of physical activity levels
  = completion of home rehab exercises
• Factors = personal characteristics e.g. self-motivation
  = env. characteristics e.g. social support
  = cognitive variables e.g. rehab self-efficacy

Question 8

Psychological factors in return to sport

Answer 8

• Full recovery includes both physical and psychological readiness to return
  = anxiety over re-injury
  = heightened performance anxiety
  = uncertainty about meeting others expectations
  = decreased physical self-efficacy
  = concerns about performing at pre-injury levels

Question 9

Phases of injury recovery

Answer 9

1) Injury or illness phase = help athletes deal with emotional upheaval that accompanies onset of injury
2) Rehab ans recovery phase = help athlete sustain motivation and adherence to rehab protocols
3) Return to full activity phase = help person maintain progress & positive outlook

Question 10

Psychological strategies

Answer 10

• Build rapport
• Educate about injury + recovery process
• Teach specific psychological coping skills
• Foster social support