1
|
Capin JJ, Wolf TL, Street JH, Smith CS, Lennon SL, Farquhar WB, Hunter SK, Piacentine LB. Midlife health crisis of former competitive athletes: dissecting their experiences via qualitative study. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2024; 10:e001956. [PMID: 38736641 PMCID: PMC11086499 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sports participation confers many health benefits yet greatly increases injury risk. Long-term health outcomes in former athletes and transition to life after competitive sports are understudied. Ending a sport may pose physical and psychosocial challenges. The purpose was to determine the lived experiences of former competitive athletes and how their sports participation impacted their long-term health and well-being. Former college varsity athletes participated in semistructured interviews focusing on their experiences, including past and current health, the impact of injuries, activity, exercise, diet and transition to life after competitive sport. Thematic analysis was completed using a collaborative, iterative process. Thirty-one (16 female, 15 male) former college athletes aged 51.3±7.4 years were interviewed. Six themes emerged: (1) lifelong athlete identity; (2) structure, support and challenges of the college athlete experience; (3) a big transition to life beyond competitive sport; (4) impact of competitive sport on long-term health; (5) facilitators and barriers to long-term health after sport and (6) transferable life skills. Continuing sports eased the transition for many but often delayed their postathlete void. Challenges included managing pain and prior injury (eg, If I didn't have my knee injury, I would definitely be more active), reducing energy needs and intake (eg, When I was an athlete, I could eat anything; and unfortunately, that's carried into my regular life), lack of accountability, changed identity and lost resources and social support. Participants suggested a programme, toolkit, mentoring or exit course to facilitate the transition. While former athletes benefit from transferrable life skills and often continue sports and exercise, they face unique challenges such as managing pain and prior injury, staying active, reducing energy intake and changing identity. Future research should develop and evaluate a toolkit, programme and other resources to facilitate life after ending competitive sports under 'normal' conditions (eg, retirement) and after a career-ending injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob John Capin
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Clinical & Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Taylor L Wolf
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jena Heck Street
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Carolyn S Smith
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | - Sandra K Hunter
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Byrne C, Ward M, Saeedi S, Obuseh E. What makes an athlete? A scoping review: Assessing the use of the word athlete with anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation review studies. Is there a standard? Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14596. [PMID: 38436214 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The term athlete does not currently have an agreed definition or standardized use across the literature. We analyzed the use of the term "athlete" amongst review studies specific to Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rehabilitation to investigate if the term was justified in its use. A comprehensive review of a database was performed to identify review papers which used the term "athlete" in the title, and which were related to ACL rehabilitation and surveillance. These papers were analyzed and their source papers were extracted for review. Twenty-eight review papers were identified. Source studies were extracted and analyzed. After removal of duplicates 223 source papers were identified. Despite using the term "athlete" in the review study titles only 5/17 (10.7%) sufficiently justified the use of this term. The term athlete was used in 117/223 (52.5%) of the source studies. Of those, 78/117 source studies (66.7%) justified the term athlete. The remaining 39/117 (33.3%) papers where participants were stated to be athletes, gave no justification. The ambiguous use of the term athlete amongst published studies highlights the need for a definition or justification of the term to be used in studies. The lack of a standard definition leads to the potential for studies to dilute high quality data by the potentially differing rehabilitation requirements and access to resources available to those with varying exercise levels. The indiscriminate use of the term athlete could lead to participants with widely ranging physical activity levels being included in the same study, and being used to create clinical advice for all. Advice could potentially vary across those of differing physical activity levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Byrne
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- James Connolly Hospital Emergency Department, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Ward
- Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Saeedi
- Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
| | - E Obuseh
- James Connolly Hospital Emergency Department, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Staley K, Donaldson A, Mosler AB, O'Halloran P, Seal E, Forsyth A, Nicholson M, Forsdike K, Bruder AM. Understanding the challenges of injury in providing sport programmes for physically inactive women: concept mapping insights from programme deliverers. Inj Prev 2024:ip-2023-045028. [PMID: 38307715 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2023-045028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Injury/poor health is an important barrier to women's participation in sport and physical activity. This study aimed to identify perceived challenges sport programme deliverers face when supporting physically inactive women to prevent/manage injury. METHODS Sport programme deliverers, targeting physically inactive women in Victoria, participated in concept mapping to brainstorm, sort and rate (impact on their ability to prevent/manage injury, frequency of and difficulty to overcome the challenge on a 1 (low)-5 (high) scale) the challenges faced. Analysis included multidimensional scaling, hierarchical cluster analysis and descriptive statistics (eg, mean ratings). RESULTS Twenty-five deliverers brainstormed 82 injury prevention/management-related challenges. An eight cluster map was considered the most appropriate representation of the participants' sorting data (mean cluster impact, frequency and difficulty to overcome rating (1-5)): time constraints (3.42, 3.69, 3.12); perceived competence in injury prevention/management (3.36, 3.50, 3.27); navigating participant perceptions and knowledge (3.35, 3.74, 3.49); information and responsibility (3.32, 3.50, 3.26); session planning and structure (3.25, 3.45, 3.07); participant engagement (3.13, 3.47, 3.08); responding to individual needs (3.07, 3.42, 2.92) and access to injury management resources (2.87, 3.25, 3.17). CONCLUSION Limited time created injury prevention/management challenges for programme deliverers when planning and modifying sport programmes for physically inactive women. Injury prevention/management should be integrated into programme design and delivery principles. Programme deliverers need education/training and access to injury prevention/management resources (eg, activity modification) and engagement/communication strategies tailored for physically inactive women. Public health funders, coaching course accreditors, programme designers and deliverers can use these insights to develop strategies to minimise injury risk and effect systemic change in sport programme delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiera Staley
- Centre for Sport and Social Impact, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alex Donaldson
- Centre for Sport and Social Impact, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea B Mosler
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul O'Halloran
- Centre for Sport and Social Impact, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Seal
- School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrienne Forsyth
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Nicholson
- Centre for Sport and Social Impact, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kirsty Forsdike
- Centre for Sport and Social Impact, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Maree Bruder
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Burberg T, Würth S, Amesberger G, Finkenzeller T. Affective associations towards running: fuzzy patterns of implicit-explicit interaction in young female runners and non-runners. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1210546. [PMID: 38356793 PMCID: PMC10864672 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1210546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Empirical evidence demonstrates that high concordance and low discrepancy of implicit and explicit affective processes facilitate consistent exercise behavior. Novice runners often have difficulties implementing their running behavior on a regular basis resulting in irregular running behavior. To investigate the potential value of affective associations 89 young female runners (regular and irregular) and non-runners were recruited. Affective associations towards running were measured through a Single-Target Implicit Association Test on the implicit level and by self-report on the explicit level. Implicit-explicit interaction (IEI) scores (i.e., implicit-explicit concordance and discrepancy) were derived from principal component analysis. Fuzzy k-means cluster analysis was used to identify patterns of interacting implicit-explicit affective associations. The resulting clusters were assessed for differences in previous running experience, current running behavior, motivational and intentional aspects. Four meaningful overlapping clusters were found and labeled according to their prevalent IEI patterns (i.e., "positive non-discrepant", "positive discrepant", "negative discrepant", "negative non-discrepant"). Significant differences between clusters were found for past running experience, current running behavior, motivational and intentional aspects. The results indicate that running behavior varies between and within patterns of affective associations. In line with previous findings, positive non-discrepant implicit and explicit affective associations are linked to more consistent running behavior, while negative non-discrepant affect is associated with non-runners. However, the occurrence of discrepant implicit-explicit affective associations in young women differing in running behavior, motivation, and intention broadens the view of the complex relationship between affective processes and exercise behavior. In conclusion, individualized interventions that take into account the implicit-explicit interaction of affective associations besides well-known cognitive self-regulatory resources may prove more effective for individuals who struggle to run regularly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Burberg
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Davies M, Lawrence T, Edwards A, McKay C, Lecky FE, Stokes KA, Williams S. Sport-related major trauma incidence in young people and adults in England and Wales: a national registry-based study. Inj Prev 2024; 30:60-67. [PMID: 37875378 PMCID: PMC10850652 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2023-044887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Data on sport and physical activity (PA) injury risk can guide intervention and prevention efforts. However, there are limited national-level data, and no estimates for England or Wales. This study sought to estimate sport and PA-related major trauma incidence in England and Wales. METHODS Nationwide, hospital registry-based cohort study between January 2012 and December 2017. Following Trauma Audit and Research Network Registry Research Committee approval, data were extracted in April 2018 for people ≥16 years of age, admitted following sport or PA-related injury in England and Wales. The population-based Active Lives Survey was used to estimate national sport and PA participation (ie, running, cycling, fitness activities). The cumulative injury incidence rate was estimated for each activity. Injury severity was described by Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15. RESULTS 11 702 trauma incidents occurred (mean age 41.2±16.2 years, 59.0% male), with an ISS >15 for 28.0% of cases, and 1.3% were fatal. The overall annual injury incidence rate was 5.40 injuries per 100 000 participants. The incidence rate was higher in men (6.44 per 100 000) than women (3.34 per 100 000), and for sporting activities (9.88 per 100 000) than cycling (2.81 per 100 000), fitness (0.21 per 100 000) or walking (0.03 per 100 000). The highest annual incidence rate activities were motorsports (532.31 per 100 000), equestrian (235.28 per 100 000) and gliding (190.81 per 100 000). CONCLUSION Injury incidence was higher in motorsports, equestrian activity and gliding. Targeted prevention in high-risk activities may reduce admissions and their associated burden, facilitating safer sport and PA participation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Davies
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, UCL, London, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Tom Lawrence
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
- Division of Population Health, Trauma Audit and Research Network, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Antoinette Edwards
- Division of Population Health, Trauma Audit and Research Network, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Carly McKay
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research Versus Arthritis, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Fiona E Lecky
- Division of Population Health, Trauma Audit and Research Network, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research, University of Sheffield School of Health and Related Research, Sheffield, UK
| | - Keith A Stokes
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Rugby Football Union, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Street JH, Boos ZP, Fial A, Lennon SL, Smith CS, Creasy SA, Hunter SK, Farquhar WB, Capin JJ. Long-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athletes: a scoping review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2023; 9:e001605. [PMID: 37920279 PMCID: PMC10619025 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
While sports medicine has traditionally focused on recovering from injury and returning athletes to sport safely after injury, there is a growing interest in the long-term health of athletes. The purpose of this scoping review was to (1) summarise the literature (methodologies and findings) on physical function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife (age 40-65 years) former competitive athletes compared with non-athlete controls, (2) identify areas for future study in long-term health in athletes and (3) determine outcomes that could be evaluated in a future systematic review(s). We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus for studies published between 2000 and 2022 evaluating former athletes and controls on physical function, body composition and/or cardiometabolic measures using MeSH terms. We identified 20 articles that met our criteria. Outcomes varied considerably across studies, most of which were cross-sectional and evaluated only males. Limited data suggest that former endurance athletes have leaner body compositions, higher aerobic capacity and better cardiometabolic indicators than controls; former athletes who maintain higher physical activity (ie, self-reported exercise) are healthier than those who do not; and former team sport athletes, who have higher injury prevalence, may have poorer functional performance than controls who were recreationally active in college. Studies rarely evaluated functional performance, did not control for prior injury or diet and seldom assessed current physical activity levels. Future research should include females and evaluate sex differences, control for prior sports-related injury(ies), quantify physical activity, use standardised outcome measures including performance-based functional assessments and incorporate longitudinal designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jena Heck Street
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Zebadiah P Boos
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alissa Fial
- Research, Teaching & Learning, Raynor Memorial Libraries, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Shannon L Lennon
- Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Carolyn S Smith
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Seth A Creasy
- Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sandra K Hunter
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William B Farquhar
- Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Jacob John Capin
- Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Verhagen E, van Middelkoop M. Sport and exercise medicine: crossing borders. Br J Sports Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|