PREVENTING AND ASSESSING MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF HAMSTRING INJURIES
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Kyle Devaney
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Excercise Science
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Pragya Sharma Ghimire
Abstract:
Many athletes from different sports suffer severe physical injuries that impact their ability to play the sport they love, and sometimes, it may also impact their income potential, particularly among professional athletes. Furthermore, these injuries often affect athletes mental and psychological well-being. Among the most debilitating injuries, hamstring injuries pose a considerable challenge, especially for football players, given their protracted healing process and heightened risk of recurrence. Research indicates that such injuries constitute a substantial portion, approximately 29%, of all sports-related injuries. Recent literature has emphasized the need for increased focus on evidence-based practice in sports medicine, particularly in documenting the comprehensive status and impairments post-injury. Notably, these injuries impact National Football League (“NFL”) players, with statistics revealing that muscle strain account for 46% of practice injuries and 22% of preseason game injuries. Given the consequences of these injuries, including missed game time, financial losses, and the likelihood of subsequent injuries, extensive research has been undertaken to prevent and treat hamstring injuries among collegiate and professional football players. Moreover, beyond the physical ramifications, athletes also contend with mental health challenges. For example, being injured may cause an athlete to feel depressed, anxious, stressed, and or traumatized. Although previous studies and self-reported data from professional and elite athletes have indicated similar prevalence rates of mental health disorders compared to the general population, the relationship between physical injuries, especially among professional athletes like football players, and the subsequent impact on their mental well-being remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to examine what connection, if any, exists between the physical injuries of athletes and the mental wellness of athletes. We hypothesize that lower body strength training will effectively decrease the incidence of hamstring injuries while also suggesting that hamstring injuries may elevate the likelihood of mental health disorders among football players. We will evaluate the results of Health-Related Quality of Life and information offered during qualitative interviews with the athletes.