Occupational Impact of Career Ending Injuries on Elite Competitive Athletes: Strategies for Transition
Graduation Date
2009
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Bonnie Napier, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Karen Pitbladdo, MS, OTR/L, CHT
Abstract
Objective: To describe the occupational impact career-ending injuries have on elite competitive athletes. In addition, add to the literature what athletes may undergo when rehabilitation is no longer an option and his or her sport career is ended.
Method: On-line survey distributed nationwide with the support of the United States Elite Coaches Association and Dominican University of California. The survey focused on participant's perception of difficulties during transition from athletic lifestyles to non-athletic lifestyles. The survey was also distributed at two conferences, 2008 Region One Congress, August 22-24, 2008 and 2008 USA Gymnastics National Congress and Trade Show, June 19-21,2008.
Results: There were 28 responses to the on-line survey. 68% of participants stated the entire experience of transitioning from athletic to non-athletic lifestyles was difficult or extremely difficult. 50% of the participants stated still having difficulties from the career- ending injury years post incident.
Conclusion: Occupational therapists can assist elite gymnasts and other athletes through life structural changes by providing alternate coping mechanism for transitions to meaningful participation in leisure, routines, and social activities.