Adolescents' experience with sports-related pain and injury: A systematic review of qualitative research

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this review is to synthesise qualitative studies examining adolescents' experience with pain and injury arising from sports participation. MethodsThis review was registered on Open Science Framework prior to data extraction. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and SPORTDiscus was conducted. Studies were appraised using the CASP (critical appraisal skills programme) checklist. Data was synthesised using a meta aggregation. Study selection criteriaInclusion criteria included studies related to adolescents aged 14–19yrs with sports related pain/injury, employed a qualitative design, full text publications in English. ResultsSixteen studies of 216 participants were included. Studies investigated severe knee injuries, concussion, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Synthesised findings show that, regardless of injury type, adolescents experience a mix of positive (motivation to rehab and return to sport, optimism) and negative emotions (fear of re-injury, isolation, depressive responses) throughout recovery. Common coping strategies were to ignore symptoms, modify activity levels, or seek support. ConclusionSports-related pain and injury has a multifaceted effect on the adolescent athlete. There is a pervasive fear of re-injury and social isolation, but the desire to return to sports is facilitated through motivation and support. Peer motivation effects the willingness of the adolescent to persist with rehabilitation.