Hawkins C, Coffee P, Soundy A
Department of Physiotherapy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
School of Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
Physiotherapy. 2014 Sep;100(3):268-74. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2013.09.006. Epub 2013 Nov 6.
To establish how sport, and access to an athletic identity, has been used when adjusting to a spinal cord injury.
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.
Private athletic club.
Eight (six males and two females) athletes from a wheelchair badminton club participated in the study. The individuals had finished rehabilitation, and were aged between 20 and 50 years.
A single semi-structured interview was undertaken with each participant.
Following the thematic analysis, two final themes were presented: (1) adjustment and paradox of chronic illness; and (2) the role and value of an athletic identity.
Badminton provided participants with an opportunity to continue and develop a positive athletic identity. Identity may be used as a factor that can promote recovery, and is considered as a way to encourage and maintain positive long-term adjustment to disability.
