Arvinen-Barrow, M. and Hemmings, B. (2007) Using psychological intervention techniques in sports injury rehabilitation: Chartered physiotherapists in the UK tell their stories. Paper presented to: 12th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Jyvaskyla University, 11-14 July 2007. (Unpublished)
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | In sport psychology, there is a need to deviate from traditional research methods and move towards a more diverse means of analysing data (Biddle, Markland, Gilbourne, Chatzisarantis, & Sparkes, 2001). Past research into chartered sport physiotherapists’ perceptions about psychological aspects of their work in the UK has included three quantitative surveys (e.g., Hemmings & Povey, 2002) and two qualitative studies (Jevon & Johnston, 2003; McKenna, Delaney, & Phillips, 2002). Despite the gradual growth of literature, thus far no studies have investigated physiotherapists’ personal experiences in using psychological intervention techniques in detail. By using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith, 1996) as a method of analysis, this study aimed to gain an insight into their own experiences of utilising psychological techniques with injured athletes. Seven (4 female, 3 male) chartered physiotherapists working in sports medicine in the United Kingdom participated in the study. A semi-structured interview schedule was devised and it focused on the physiotherapists’ personal experiences of using psychological intervention techniques (e.g., goal-setting, imagery, self-talk, relaxation, social support) in their work. The IPA analyses revealed several prominent and fascinating themes. Physiotherapists were very open about their lack of formal training in sport psychology, and appeared to be incredibly knowledgeable and comfortable with the use of goal setting. Familiarity with other techniques (i.e., imagery, relaxation, and self-talk) appeared to be less apparent. They also placed great prominence on their ‘gut –feeling’ (an excerpt from transcripts) and experiential knowledge. The study provides useful insight into physiotherapists’ real-life experiences using psychological interventions. Based on the findings, it can be recommended that further training on a range of techniques would be useful. The usefulness of such training should also be tested and assessed. |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Sport Psychology, rehabilitation, physiotherapy |
| Subjects: |
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation. Leisure > GV706 Sports psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM695 Physical medicine. Physical therapy |
| Creators: | Arvinen-Barrow, Monna and Hemmings, Brian |
| Funders or Sponsors: | University of Northampton Student Bursary |
| Projects: | Psychological Rehabilitation from Sports Injury: Issues in Training and Development of Chartered Physiotherapists |
| Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: |
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Sports, Exercise & Life Sciences |
| Date: | 11 July 2007 |
| Event Title: | 12th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS) |
| Event Dates: | 11-14 July 2007 |
| Event Location: | Jyvaskyla University |
| Event Type: | Conference |
| Language: | English |
| Status: | Unpublished |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| References: | Biddle, S. J. H., Markland, D., Gilbourne, D., Chatzisarantis, N., & Sparkes, A. (2001). Research methods in sport and exercise science: Quantitative and qualitative issues. Journal of Sports Sciences, 19, 777-809. Hemmings, B., & Povey, L. (2002). Views of chartered physiotherapists on the psychological content of their practice: A preliminary study in the United Kingdom. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 36, 61-64. Jevon, S. M., & Johnston, L. H. (2003). The perceived knowledge and attitudes of governing body chartered physiotherapists towards the psychological aspects of rehabilitation. Physical Therapy in Sport, 4, 74-81. McKenna, J., Delaney, H., & Phillips, S. (2002). Physiotherapists' lived experience of rehabilitating elite athletes. Physical Therapy in Sport, 3, 66-78. |
| URI: | http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/433 |
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