Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to explore the views of professional rugby union players during the early rehabilitation, late rehabilitation and return to play stages, following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.MethodsA qualitative dominant, mixed methodological approach was utilized with five players who had suffered an ACL injury requiring reconstructive surgery. A longitudinal approach, concurrent with each player’s rehabilitation, consisting of twice monthly interviews, a self-report diary and three established questionnaires (MOS-Social Support Survey, Sherbourne & Stewart, 1991; Sport Climate Questionnaire, Deci & Ryan, n.d.; Injury Rehabilitation Questionnaire, Deci & Ryan, n.d.) were completed.ResultsTheoretical thematic analysis was conducted on three distinct phases (Early Limited Participation phase, 10 higher order themes; Late Limited Rehabilitation phase, 11 higher order themes; and Return to Play phase, 9 higher order themes) and coded relating to autonomy, competence and relatedness.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that increased autonomy and control assist emotional and behavioral responses during rehabilitation and return to play, while development of competence increases self-confidence.
Highlights
The aim of the present study was to explore the views of professional rugby union players during the early rehabilitation, late rehabilitation and return to play stages, following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
A range of negative emotions, principally shock, disbelief, anger, frustration and depression, have been reported by athletes following ACL injury [3]. Over time these negative emotions are replaced by optimism and focus as the athlete concentrates on the rehabilitation process [4]
In particular the present study explored the views of professional rugby union players during the early rehabilitation, late rehabilitation and return to play stages, following ACL injury
Summary
The aim of the present study was to explore the views of professional rugby union players during the early rehabilitation, late rehabilitation and return to play stages, following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. A range of negative emotions, principally shock, disbelief, anger, frustration and depression, have been reported by athletes following ACL injury [3]. Podlog and Eklund ([10]: p542) suggest that self-determination theory (SDT) offers “a comprehensive perspective on the salient issues facing athletes returning to sport from injury” This view is supported by Arden, Taylor, Feller and Webster ([11]: p1120) noting “the self-determination theory provides a framework within which to identify and organise the psychological factors that influence successful return to sport”. Ryan and Deci [12] state SDT is the degree to which people endorse their actions at the highest level of reflection and engage in the actions with a full sense of choice They propose that motivational states subsist along a selfdetermination continuum, ranging from a motivation (i.e., lack of behavioral intention) to intrinsic motivation (i.e., engaging in an activity for personal reasons). An individual’s positioning on the continuum is defined by their needs for competence, relatedness and autonomy [12]
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