Exploring Subjective Experiences of Sport-Related Concussions in Swedish Elite Athletes : A phenomenological study

Abstract: The present study explored elite athletes experiences of a sport-related concussion (SRC), i.e. cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses in rehabilitation. The participants were four elite athletes, 2 men and 2 women (23-25 years old), from cycling and martial arts, all suffering protracted concussion symptoms. A semi-structured interview guide was used, and data was analyzed through thematic analysis, with inductive reasoning. The findings suggest that emotional, cognitive and behavioral responses, such as uncertainty, stress, motivation and depression were present in the recovery from SRC, represented by six themes (1) Identity Loss, (2) Invisibility of the Injury, (3) Being In Charge of Recovery and Return to Sport, (4) Social Support and Pressure, (5) Uncertainty of Recovery Prognosis and (6) Depression and Substance Use. The findings also highlight the risk for mental illness following SRC and the importance of learning more about the psychological perspectives of SRC. Suggestions for practical implications and future research proposals are given.