Sport Retirement Research Articles

Healthy aging? An evaluation of sport participation as a resource for older adults in retirement

Growing disparities between quality and quantity of life may be one of the most significant health challenges of our time. Retirement is a significant transitional event that can impact quality of life outcomes. Drawing on the Resource-Based Dynamic Perspective Theory, successful adaptation from the retirement transition is dependent upon resources known to predict retirement well-being. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sport participation and these resources. Data from surveys of two retirement communities in southeast Texas were collected (N = 373). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between sport participation, resources, and retirement well-being. Findings from this research provide empirical evidence to support participation in sport as a positive influencer of resources in retirement, assisting continued human development as people age. Further, the concept of sport embeddedness, which describes people’s beliefs, social involvement, and behavioral involvement with sport, is advanced.

Former Footballers in Senegal: Health Condition and Vocational Retraining

The objective of this work was to study among former Senegalese footballers their state of health and their socio-economic situation, an expression of appreciation of their professional retraining. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study from October 2015 to April 2016. Our population consisted of former footballers who played in the Senegalese national championship in the first division or were expatriates, honoring or not a selection in the national team. The cohort consisted of 100 retired footballers, the average age was 57, the average age of sports retirement at 31.8 years, the average duration of sport at 25 years; 56% of respondents had at least one risk factor, 28% reported sports-related conditions, 77% said they did not have reconversion and / or economic difficulties, but only 18% actually expressed the wish that their children become footballers. Older age was the main reason for sports retreat (49%) but 67% of subjects continued to play sports. However, it was noted that the number of risk factors increased with advancing age and longer sporting life and that lean body mass decreased with both indicators. In addition, subjects who engaged in regular physical activity had fewer risk factors and had more lean body mass. This study confirms the positive impact of sports practice in the prevention of risk factors and recommendations have been made to improve the living conditions of former athletes.

Reconstructing Athletic Identity: College Athletes and Sport Retirement

This phenomenological study examines the transition out of sport for former college athletes from revenue-producing sports. Previous studies present mixed results on factors that impact this transition. Findings indicate that Coping with Transition, Gains or Strengths, and Loss of Identity are salient themes when sports careers end. Implications of the study suggest that college athletes will benefit from coping skills to deal with the loss of sport, and interest in activities outside of sport can prevent significant distress during the transition. This study suggests that counselors and others working with college athletes can prepare college athletes for a smooth sport retirement.

University sport retirement and athlete mental health: a narrative analysis

ABSTRACTWhen sport participation reaches competitive levels, it can become entangled with stressors such as injury, performance pressures, high internal and external expectations, and difficult retirement transitions. Retirement can leave individuals vulnerable to experiencing mental health challenges, particularly when an athlete has developed a strong athletic identity. In this study, narrative inquiry philosophy informed an exploration of the experiences of Bryn. Bryn is an elite, female university athlete who developed an adjustment disorder with mixed moods of depression and anxiety after retiring from sport and graduating from university. Seven life history interviews were conducted and a dialogical narrative analysis was used to examine the influence of the structure of the sport context on Bryn’s experience of a challenging retirement transition. While she was an athlete, the success and recognition Bryn experienced in her sport community represented a powerful platform for developing self-confidence and a strong athletic identity. When this platform was removed upon retirement, and access to resource and support networks contingent on her star-athlete status were no longer available, Bryn had significant difficulty coping with threats to her mental health. The findings from this study lead us to question whether the significant support and special access to services provided to university sports stars may potentially leave such individuals vulnerable to feelings of isolation and helplessness once outside the university-athlete role.

Personal subjectivity in clinician discussion about retirement from sport post-concussion

BackgroundThere is increasing focus on the number of concussions after which an athlete should discontinue participating in contact or collision sports. This is a clinically subjective and, in some cases, a preference-sensitive decision. PurposeOur goal was to assess whether there is personal subjectivity in when athletic trainers (ATs) discuss the possibility of sport retirement post-concussion with athletes. MethodsA national sample of ATs who provide clinical care to college athletes completed a questionnaire (n = 677, 34% response rate). Structural equation modeling was used to assess the association between risk perceptions, risk tolerance, social influences (beliefs about athlete, coach and parent preferences), expectancies about athlete success (on and off field), and the number of concussions after which retirement would be discussed. ResultsThere was a significant direct effect of AT risk tolerance on the number of concussions after which sport retirement would be discussed, among both male and female ATs (male B = 0.54, p < 0.001; female B = 0.31, p < 0.001). ATs who more strongly prioritized athletes' on-field achievements indicated that they would discuss sport retirement after a larger number of concussions compared to their peers who less strongly valued athletic achievement. ConclusionsThe results suggest the potential utility of standardized approaches to communicating concussion risk consistently to athletes. This can help ensure that all athletes are uniformly able to make informed decisions about continued exposure to concussion risk that are based on their values and preferences.

La retirada deportiva en deportes colectivos: comparativa profesionales y amateurs

&lt;p&gt;En los últimos tiempos han aumentado el interés por la vida de los deportistas tras su carrera en la élite (Park, Lavalle,y Tod 2013).La propia idiosincrasia económica de cada deporte hace que sean interesantes las comparaciones entre diferentes grupos (Aquilina, 2013).Los objetivos de este estudio fueron analizar si la calidad de la retirada deportiva, evaluada a partir de las dificultades percibidas en diferentes ámbitos, y las condiciones asociadas a la misma (planificación, voluntariedad, tipo de carrera deportiva y nivel de estudios) era diferente para los deportistas profesionales y amateurs. Se utilizó un estudio descriptivo transversal mediante encuestas, con muestreo intencional, administrando un cuestionario de preguntas cerradas, elaborado &lt;em&gt;ad hoc&lt;/em&gt;. Participaron un total de 127 deportistas, de ellos 53 profesionales y 74 no profesionales. Los deportistas profesionales experimentaron en mayor grado dificultades relacionadas con su carrera profesional, con su familia, con su red social y vivieron su proceso de integración laboral de una forma menos positiva que los deportistas amateurs. Estos últimos, experimentaron en mayor grado dificultades económicas. Como cabría esperar debido a un vínculo más fuerte con el deporte, un mayor número de deportistas profesionales se dedicó exclusivamente al deporte, mientras que un mayor número de deportistas amateurs compaginaron deporte y trabajo. Además, entre aquellos que compatibilizaron el deporte con los estudios, más deportistas profesionales priorizaron el deporte. La planificación de la retirada fue más frecuente entre los profesionales y no se observaron diferencias en relación a la voluntariedad de la retirada ni en el nivel de estudios.&lt;/p&gt;

Minimally Invasive Fasciotomy for Chronic Exercise-Induced Compartment Syndrome

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Chronic? exercise-induced compartment syndrome (CEICS) is a commonly misdiagnosed source of pain. Although CEICS is seen infrequently in the general population, its incidence in high-performance athletes is estimated to be 0.49 per 1000 per year. Delayed diagnosis should be avoided, as irreversible sequelae can result, often causing sports retirement. We present our experience in diagnosis and treatment of CEICS. Methods: After IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective patient chart review. Patients were included if they were older than 18 years, experienced leg pain after 30 minutes of intense exercise, had a normal-appearing leg MRI, and failed conservative therapy for a minimum of six-months. Patients were excluded if they were diabetic or neuropathic. Significant increments in post-exercise compartment pressure were demonstrated in all patients using Whitesides’ measurement technique. All patients were operated on with minimally invasive fasciotomy and followed for a minimum of 6 months. Complications, functional outcomes (FAAM, FAOS &amp; LEFS), and return-to-sports time were documented. Results: Seven male patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 29 years (20-45). Four patients presented pain in the left leg, and three patients were symptomatic in both the right and left legs. All patients had an incremented pressure differential in the anterior compartment, while two exhibited a concomitant pressure increment in the lateral compartment. Postoperatively there was a significant subjective improvement in pain, functionality, and sports performance. High functional scores (FAAM x=92.4, FAOS x=90.3, and LEFS x=72) were documented at 6 months follow-up. Patients returned to sports at an average of 15 weeks and resumed a pre-surgery sports level at an average of 24 weeks. No complications were observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CEICS can be approached safely through a minimally invasive fasciotomy, with satisfactory functional outcomes and return to sports in the short term follow-up.

Athletic identity and psychiatric symptoms following retirement from varsity sports.

Despite evidence identifying adjustment difficulties among retiring athletes, research investigating factors that contribute to post-retirement complications is limited. Athletic identity may be an important determinant of adverse adaptation to sport retirement. The purpose of this study was to address the influence of athletic identity on post-retirement depression and anxiety symptoms among varsity athletes. An anonymous, online survey regarding athletic identity and psychiatric symptoms was completed by 72 self-identified varsity athletes during their final season of competition and 3 months after retiring from sport. After controlling for the effects of pre-retirement anxiety symptoms, endorsement of an athletic identity significantly predicted anxiety symptoms in the post-retirement period. A similar, but non-significant, pattern was observed for depressive symptoms. The findings of this study suggest that athletes' degree of athletic identity may be a risk factor for the emergence of psychiatric distress in the months following their retirement from sport. Identity-focused screening or intervention during athletes' sport careers could potentially mitigate some of the psychological difficulties associated with sport retirement.

Retirement-from-sport considerations following pediatric sports-related concussion: case illustrations and institutional approach

The decision to advise an athlete to retire from sports following sports-related concussion (SRC) remains a persistent challenge for physicians. In the absence of strong empirical evidence to support recommendations, clinical decision making must be individualized and should involve a multidisciplinary team of experts in concussion and traumatic brain injury. Although previous authors have advocated for a more conservative approach to these issues in child and adolescent athletes, there are few reports outlining considerations for this process among this unique population. Here, the authors use multiple case illustrations to discuss 3 subgroups of clinical considerations for sports retirement among pediatric SRC patients including the following: those with structural brain abnormalities identified on neuroimaging, those presenting with focal neurological deficits and abnormalities on physical examination, and those in whom the cumulative or prolonged effects of concussion are suspected or demonstrated. The authors' evolving multidisciplinary institutional approach to return-to-play and retirement decision making in pediatric SRC is also presented.

Always a footballer? The reconstruction of masculine identity following retirement from elite Australian football

This study utilises a social constructionist and identity theory perspective to explain the processes in Australian football through which masculine identity is socially constructed and then maintained following retirement from the sport. The concepts explored highlight the importance of football in the construction of masculine identity and the changes that occur over time in accordance with circumstance and experience. This paper explores the concept of the ‘jock identity’ that can be the dominant lens through which all other dimensions of identity are viewed. Such is the importance of sport in the development of masculine identity in particular, the impact on the identity of retiring Australian footballers is significant. The experiences of retired Australian footballers with regard to the construction of masculine identity have not yet been conducted, and thus, this research contributes to the body of knowledge on sports retirement and offers important insight to assist in understanding masculine subcultures.

Deportistas ol&amp;#237;mpicos y estrategias de inserci&amp;#243;n laboral. Propuesta te&amp;#243;rica, m&amp;#233;todo y avance de resultados

The article deals with Olympic Spanish sportpeople’s labour market insertion. Strategy and transition are the main theoretical concepts. We are using both phenomenological and figurational approach. In depth interviews have been conducted. Results focus on sportspeople’s adopted strategies: consciousness of future, studies, to safe money, to plan sport retirement, to invest “sport capital”. Conclusions, mainly take into account labour market insertion differences and similarities between sport people and other population.

Moving on? Elite Hong Kong Female Athletes and Retirement from Competitive Sport

The purpose of the research was to study the transitional experiences of elite female athletes who are going through the process of athletic retirement. Using a life history approach, six former and six current athletes in Hong Kong were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were utilized based on the Schlossberg’s (1981, 1984) transition model. Data were analyzed using typology and constant comparison methods. Diversity and commonality in the experiences of women withdrawing from elite sports competition were found. The life history approach was effective in illustrating the ways in which Hong Kong female athletes feel and think about career end, with a transition from competition to retirement evident as part of career passing. Content analysis of interviews revealed several salient themes related to sports retirement. Key distinctions across projected and experienced retirement were associated with a woman’s being an immigrant athlete, entering early into sport, and pursuing an education. Athlete status also affected transition to retirement and lifestyle after an elite sports career.

The Positive Transitions Model for Sport Retirement

Positive Transitions for Student Athletes is a program designed to address the psychosocial and career‐related issues surrounding the inevitable sport retirement transition faced by the majority of collegiate athletes. A rationale for the development of sport retirement programs is provided, as is the Positive Transitions program and outcome data.

Loss Experiences In Disability Sport

Sport scientists have started to amass a small body of knowledge on loss in sport. Viewing sport retirement from a loss framework is particularly appropriate when examining transitions out of disability sport because athletes with disabilities are at risk for facing unique losses when they lease sport (Martin, 1996; Wheeler, Malone, & Steadward, 1996). The purpose of this article is to discuss loss experiences in disability sport from psychological, social, and physiological perspectives.

Sport Narratives

Recently there has been a call for alternative styles of representation within the social sciences. This includes using fiction, poetry, and drama to convey people's lived experiences. Whereas many social scientists continue to theorize about experimenting with writing and research and to argue the benefits, few have provided examples of how this might look. With this article, the author attempts to fill that void by presenting three short stories that reflect his understanding of the sports retirement experiences of 12 New Zealand athletes. The men and women interviewed had all competed in either an Olympic Games or a world championship in their sports, and the transition out of sports required a serious adjustment for all of them. The three stories in this article explore the various stages of their adjustment.

“Retirement” from Intercollegiate Sport: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations

Survey data from 1,123 former intercollegiate athletes (427 males and 697 females) were examined relative to commitment to a sport role, educational and occupational preparation, postcareer sport participation, social interests, and adjustment to sport retirement. Chi-square and factor analyses revealed that the former athletes in this study did not totally withdraw from the system of sport, that some shifting or reprioritization of interests occurred during their athletic career, and that the process of leaving sport may be more gradual or transitional than previously believed. Patterns obtained were similar for both males and females, and there was little evidence to suggest these athletes experienced adjustment difficulties. In light of these findings, an alternative conceptualization of the sport “retirement” process is offered.

A Reconceptualization of the Process of Leaving the Role of Competitive Athlete

In an attempt to broaden research considerations pertaining to retirement from sport, this paper critically examines notions embedded in social gerontology and thanatology. Both perspectives are criticized for their narrowness of approach, and analysis suggests that neither may be applicable to the athlete who voluntarily or involuntarily leaves sport. Alternative notions which are derived from a data base of former female and male intercollegiate athletes are discussed. It is suggested that concepts of life-long development, role aptitude and anticipatory socialization might offer a more useful framework for future sport retirement research.

Leaving Competitive Sport: Retirement or Rebirth?

This paper reviews existing information on retirement from sport and offers an interpretation of the retirement process that will both challenge widespread assumptions held by sport sociologists and provide hypotheses for future research. The dynamics of the retirement process are discussed for athletes in top-level interscholastic and amateur sports as well as in professional sports. Existing data suggest that retirement for athletes in each of these contexts is not an inevitable source of stress, identity crises, or adjustment problems. It is argued that the dynamics of the sport retirement process are grounded in the social structural context in which retirement takes place. Factors such as gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, and social and emotional support networks shape the manner in which one makes the transition out of sport. Therefore, retirement from sport sometimes may be the scene of stress and trauma but, by itself, it often is not the major cause of those problems.