Perspectives of sport physiotherapists on the frequency and significant of psychological factors in professional practice: implications for curriculum design in professional training

Abstract

A two-part study was conducted with sport physiotherapists to examine their perceptions of both frequency and significance of emotions and behaviours displayed by injured athletes during treatment, and the importance of psychological skills in rehabilitation. A questionnaire, developed from a preliminary study (Part 1) with experienced sport physiotherapists (N = 10), was mailed to 500 sport physiotherapists in Australia, New Zealand and Canada (Part 2). Responses from Australian (N = 147), New Zealand (N = 65) and Canadian (N = 45) subjects suggested that: (i) anxiety and frustration is experienced frequently by injured athletes, and non-compliance to the rehabilitation program is a significant problem preventing effective recovery and rehabilitation; (ii) psychological skills training and learning to deal with psychological responses to injury would facilitate more effective treatment; and (iii) athlete self-presentation styles influence the support and attention received from physiotherapists. Results are discussed in relation to previous research and recommendations for improving both the art (applied skills) and science (theoretical content) of professional training programs for sport physiotherapists are provided.