The role of sport-based social networks in the management of long-term health conditions: Insights from the World Transplant Games

Abstract

In the context of an increasing clinical need to better support self-management for people living with long-term health conditions an interest in the role of social networks has emerged. Given that sport participation often provides opportunities for social engagement, a space to explore self-management at the intersection of medical sociology and the sociology of sport has opened up. This article presents findings from an exploratory qualitative study with organ transplant recipients who have participated in Transplant Games events – national and international multi-sport competitions for organ transplant recipients. Our findings illustrate how sport-based social networks serve as resources for health-related knowledge, provide participants with additional affective support and help shape health expectations for the future. Although sport-based social networks were seen as an overwhelmingly positive resource for our participants, it is plausible that harmful unintended consequences could arise for patients with existing self-management issues. As such, it is recommended that people seeking to use sport as a tool to enhance illness self-management should consider the various and powerful ways that social networks can be impactful and anticipate the potential consequences accordingly.

User‐centered design features for digital health applications to support physical activity behaviors in solid organ transplant recipients: A qualitative study

“…First, the sample consulted was physically active based on a self-reported questionnaire and just over half had participated in the Transplant Games, which offers a social network that supports physical activity behaviours. 42 Our sample is therefore distinct from the general population of Canadian SOT recipients, who report low levels of physical activity. 11 Furthermore, our recruitment strategies required subjects to self-identify their interest in participating in this study through social media postings.…”

“…Some limitations must also be considered along with the findings of this study. First, the sample consulted was physically active based on a self‐reported questionnaire and just over half had participated in the Transplant Games, which offers a social network that supports physical activity behaviours 42 . Our sample is therefore distinct from the general population of Canadian SOT recipients, who report low levels of physical activity 11 .…”

Supporting transplant athletes: perspectives on delivery of a sports performance and well-being service at the British Transplant Games

“…Transplant recipients who compete as Athletes (TxA) can be part of a larger team and affiliated with the hospital from which they received their transplant. The overall climate of the Games is one of participation, fellowship, survivorship ( 9 ) and inclusivity ( 10 ). Yet, research suggests that TxA display varying levels of ability from those who simply wish to take part to those who commit time to training and resources to achieve personal bests and world record performances ( 11 ).…”