On determining factors affecting injury and recovery in athletes

Abstract

The aim of the study is to develop a comprehensive model on the risk factors of injury/re-injury and factors affecting the recovery process. Material and methods. Systematic analysis and scientific generalization of the latest theoretical and analytical studies on the factors affecting risk of injury, assessment, prevention and recovery of injuries in athletes. Results. The conducted comprehensive analysis allowed to build a theoretical model on the injury-recovery cycle. The model includes 3 main groups of factors affecting the risk of injury, namely: internal, caused by physiological processes; external, caused by training conditions and equipment; fear, which is related to the personal psychological and emotional characteristics and external surroundings. At the same time, implementation of preventive measurements can reduce the risk of injuries. The model highlighted the positive impact of social support and interactions between a patient and a therapist in the process of injury recovery. Conclusions. In order to minimize the risk of injury and stimulate the recovery process in athletes the following recommendation should be taken in place: to promote the spreading of information on possible ways of injury prevention; to provide educational services for those who are involved in sports and other physical activities; to spread the information about the main types of injury and the treatment approaches to make athletes familiar with that, which can increase their competence and reduce the fear of injury; to encourage communication and interaction between teammates, with their trainers and coaches during the period of recovery to eliminate the level of isolation of injured athletes.

Keywords

• risk factors, injury, recovery, preventive measures, social support, interaction.