Canada-based sports chiropractors' attitudes, beliefs, and practical application of sport psychology in the injury rehabilitation process: a mixed-methods study

Objective

To understand Canada-based sports chiropractors' attitudes, beliefs, and practical application of sport psychology in the sports injury rehabilitation process.

Methods

A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design was employed. A questionnaire was emailed to 144 eligible participants including Fellows and Residents of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada) (RCCSS(C)). Fifty-two surveys were returned fully completed. Fifteen respondents completed semi-structured interviews to further examine attitudes and beliefs in sport psychology training, delivery, and referrals.

Results

Approximately two-thirds of Canada-based sports chiropractors felt that athletes were affected psychologically 100% of the time when injured. Sports chiropractors reported using some basic psychological techniques during the sports injury rehab process and expressed interest in having more training in more advanced techniques and practical application of these skills, as well as developing a referral network with sport psychology professionals in Canada.

Conclusions

Sports chiropractors in Canada reported receiving entry level training in sports psychology and understood the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of sports injury. Further research is warranted to explore the effectiveness of current and future sports psychology education interventions for sports chiropractors.

Identifying and prioritizing research to inform a research agenda for Canadian chiropractors working in sport - the Canadian sports chiropractic perspective

Objectives

To identify and prioritize research to inform research agenda development for Canadian chiropractors working in sport.

Methods

Clinicians, researchers and leaders from the Canadian sports chiropractic field were invited to participate in 1) a survey to refine a list of research priorities, 2) a Delphi procedure to determine consensus on these priorities, and 3) a prioritization survey.

Results

The top three research priorities were 1) effects of interventions on athletic outcomes, 2) research about sports healthcare teams, and 3) clinical research related to spinal manipulative and mobilization therapy. The three highest ranked conditions to research were 1) low back pain, 2) neck pain, and 3) concussion. Collaborations with sports physicians and universities/ colleges were rated as important research collaborations to pursue.

Conclusions

These results represent the Canadian sports chiropractic perspective to research priority setting and will be used alongside stakeholder input to set the first research agenda for the Canadian sports chiropractic field.