Mental Health and Involuntary Retirement from Sports Post-Musculoskeletal Injury in Adult Athletes: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review The psychological aspects of musculoskeletal injury are often overlooked in the rehabilitation process. This review examines the effects of musculoskeletal injury on mental health in adult athletes and identifies themes to guide further research. Recent Findings Athletes are at risk for mental health struggles due to high athletic identity and identity foreclosure. Injured athletes have specifically been shown to have higher rates of anxiety and depression when compared to the general population. There is a lack of intervention-based research on the psychological well-being of athletes, and there are no systematic reviews synthesizing the impact of musculoskeletal injury on the mental health of adult athletes across a variety of sports. Summary Across professional, college-level, and amateur athletes, musculoskeletal injury is associated with worse mental health scores, including higher distress, higher anxiety and depression, lower social functioning, and lower health-related quality of life. For adults, involuntary retirement from sports due to musculoskeletal injury is a common theme associated with increased psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. In the reviewed literature, 22 unique mental health and 12 distinct physical health screening tools were used. Two articles studied interventions addressing mental health post-injury. Further research using an integrated physical and psychological approach to recovery is warranted and may improve mental and physical outcomes for injured athletes.

The Prevalence of Drug Abuse as it Relates to Psychosocial Reasons among University Athletes in Selected Competitive Sports in Kenya

“…According to Furie, Park and Wong (2023), approximately 7% of the U.S.A population suffers from depression at one time or another and athletes are no exception. Although the average onset of depression is around age 22, student-athletes may be more susceptible to the disorder, given their unique burden of juggling so many different types of responsibility.…”

Consumer Perceptions of Home-Based Percussive Massage Therapy for Musculoskeletal Concerns: Inductive Thematic Qualitative Analysis

“…These points of association may explain elevated depression rating scores in this population [ 39 ]. Alternately, in considering a population of high-performing athletes dedicated to their athletic identity and role in sport, it is apparent that there is an association between sport-related injury and mental health [ 36 - 38 , 40 , 41 ]. Over the course of 5 academic years, from 2009-2010 to 2013-2014, over 1 million injuries were estimated within the National Collegiate Athletic Association [ 42 ].…”

“…It is imperative that we consider the biopsychosocial approach to care when addressing musculoskeletal pain. Acute or chronic pain is recognized as a contributing factor to an individual's mental health [36][37][38][39]. Pain post orthopedic intervention can be associated with long-term disability, increased restrictions in work or daily living, and decreased satisfaction overall [39].…”

“…Given the rising competition and pressure, it is likely that this number has continued to rise. Sport-related injuries both short-term and long-term, negatively impact current and previous elite athletes [36][37][38]40]. In understanding the interconnectedness between musculoskeletal pain and perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, it is crucial that we analyze possible points of intervention.…”

Proximal Hamstring Repair With All-Suture Anchors and an Accelerated Rehabilitation and Bracing Protocol Demonstrates Good Outcomes at 1-Year Follow-Up

“… 29 A study by Furie et al. 30 found that injured athletes showed greater rates of anxiety and depression compared with the general population and those who had to involuntarily retire from their sport had increased psychological distress. These data suggest that earlier surgical intervention for injuries such as proximal hamstring ruptures, when properly indicated, may reduce impact on mental health.…”