Psychology

Elite Athletes' Perspectives about the Importance of Psychological Preparation and Personal Experiences with Sport Psychology

“…Likewise, Williams and Taylor (1994) pointed out feelings of isolation due to the lack of training partners as one of the reasons for dropping out among non-elite wheelchair athletes. Lack of proper coaching conditions was another disability sport consideration mentioned by Martin and Wheeler (2011) and shared by two athletes in the present study. Most of the athletes with disabilities do not have appropriate coaching or simply do not have coaches (Martin & Wheeler, 2011).…”

“…Lack of proper coaching conditions was another disability sport consideration mentioned by Martin and Wheeler (2011) and shared by two athletes in the present study. Most of the athletes with disabilities do not have appropriate coaching or simply do not have coaches (Martin & Wheeler, 2011). All these factors may interfere in the psychological preparation of the athletes, disturbing expected performance outcomes.…”

“…Dealing with physical pain was another factor mentioned by an athlete with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Martin and Wheeler (2011) explained that for athletes with disabilities (e.g., SCI), body pain can interfere in sport, limiting physical activity. Financial problems were mentioned in relation to reduced values, or delays in payment, of the Paralympic grants.…”

“…On the other hand, poor training conditions associated with the lack of training partners and lack of continuous support from the coach were also mentioned in the present research. Martin and Wheeler (2011) explained the importance of social support in training settings since many athletes with disabilities have to train by themselves. Likewise, Williams and Taylor (1994) pointed out feelings of isolation due to the lack of training partners as one of the reasons for dropping out among non-elite wheelchair athletes.…”

Transcendence of musculoskeletal injury in athletes with disability during major competition

“…7 Indeed, athletes with disability report more sport-related muscle pain compared with their able-bodied counterparts as their training increases and therefore they might be more accustomed to competing with pain. 8 Yet factors governing performance following injury in athletes with disability are an underresearched area and therefore not fully understood.…”