Considering how athletic identity assists adjustment to spinal cord injury: a qualitative study

Citation

Hawkins C, Coffee P & Soundy A (2014) Considering how athletic identity assists adjustment to spinal cord injury: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy, 100 (3), pp. 268-274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2013.09.006

Abstract
Objectives: To establish how sport, and access to an athletic identity, has been used when adjusting to a spinal cord injury. Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting: Private athletic club. Participants: Eight (six males and two females) athletes from a wheelchair badminton club participated in the study. The individuals had finished rehabilitation, and were aged between 20 and 50 years. Main outcome measures: A single semi-structured interview was undertaken with each participant. Results: Following the thematic analysis, two final themes were presented: (1) adjustment and paradox of chronic illness; and (2) the role and value of an athletic identity. Conclusions: Badminton provided participants with an opportunity to continue and develop a positive athletic identity. Identity may be used as a factor that can promote recovery, and is considered as a way to encourage and maintain positive long-term adjustment to disability.

Keywords
Qualitative; Sport; Identity; Adjustment

Journal
Physiotherapy: Volume 100, Issue 3