Date

5-8-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Injury is a reality that many athletes face when performing sport. Throughout time an athlete can cause significant damage to their body. Injuries can range from torn tendons to spinal cord injuries. Some injuries simply require rest while other injuries require surgery. In either case, the application of physical therapy is often prescribed to assist an athlete to return to sport, and in most cases return stronger than before. Once an athlete receives physical therapy and is cleared to return to sport many choose not to return. This proposed research seeks to identify if physical therapy has an impact on the decision of an athlete returning to sport. The proposed research study will use a qualitative questionnaire seeking the sampled athletes’ opinions on their attitude toward their sport and their physical and psychological ability to return to play. This research is relevant for those in the physical therapy field to understand how the process of physical therapy may impact an athlete’s decision to return to sport. Physical therapy aims to help an injured athlete get back to play, but understanding how the process of physical therapy may influence an injured athlete’s decision not only physically but psychologically and is vital for physical therapists so they may provide the best care for patients and assist in athletes achieving their goals safely. This proposed research aims to find how psychological and physical aspects of therapy contribute to an athlete’s decision to return to sport.

Department

Physical Education

Thesis Comittee

Christopher Swart (Thesis Director)

Robert Haslam

Phillip Szlosek

Copyright and Permissions

Original document was submitted as an Honors Program requirement. Copyright is held by the author.

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