Return to sport after serious injury: A retrospective examination of motivation and psychological outcomes

Citation

Podlog L & Eklund R (2005) Return to sport after serious injury: A retrospective examination of motivation and psychological outcomes. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 14 (1), pp. 20-34. http://journals.humankinetics.com/jsr-back-issues/JSRVolume14Issue1February/ReturntoSportAfterSeriousInjuryARetrospectiveExaminationofMotivationandPsychologicalOutcomes

Abstract
Context: It is argued in self-determination theory that the motivation underlying behavior has implications for health and well-being independent of the behavior itself. Objective: To examine associations between athlete motivations for returning to sport after injury and perceived psychological return-to-sport outcomes. Design: A correlational survey design was employed to obtain data in Canada, Australia, and England. Participants: Elite and subelite athletes (N = 180) with injuries requiring a minimum 2-month absence from sport participation. Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed an inventory measuring perceptions of motivation to return to sport from a serious injury and psychological return-to-sport outcomes. Results: Correlational analyses revealed that intrinsic motivations for returning to competition were associated with a positive renewed perspective on sport participation. Conversely, extrinsic motivations for returning to sport were associated with increased worry and concern. Conclusions: The motivation underlying return to sport might play an important role in return-to-sport perceptions among elite and subelite athletes.

Keywords
athletic injury; self-determination theory

Journal
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation: Volume 14, Issue 1