Zeitschrift für Psychologie und Psychotherapie
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Mind Does Matter: The Psychological Effect of Ankle Injury in Sport

Veronika Mittly, Zsolt Németh, Károly Berényi and Tibor Mintál

Introduction: According to previous sports psychological studies the therapy of ankle sprain does not extend to psychological support of the injured athletes. The aim of this study is to emphasize the significant role of a complex approach and to help athletes in coping with the injury. Methods: To estimate the psychological consequences of ankle sprain, between October and December of 2014 we asked athletes to complete our questionnaire, of 28 items. In February of 2015 the answers were evaluated by SPSS. Results: 15,6% of athletes were satisfied with the acute care and 25% of athletes were satisfied with the rehabilitation. Satisfaction rates showed correlation with the motivation and with the attitude to rehabilitation and training. The rate of motivation affected the attitude to training and the opportunity of quitting sport. The latter was affected by the fear of reinjury as well. The most important consequence of sport injuries was missing a tournament (36,1%). The importance of social support was proved as well: 38,1% of athletes could share their problems and feelings with their family, 31,1% with the coach and the team and 23,8% with friends and their boy- or girlfriend. After the injury 61,1% of athletes could decrease anxiety with relaxation, exercise, psychotherapy or conversation. The most common reactions to the injury were fear, pain, shock, misadventure, frustration, disappointment and hope. Conclusion: Results confirm our previous hypothesis, that for the earliest return to play injured athletes need psychological rehabilitation and they require psychological interventions as well as social support in the post-injury period. The team physicians and coaches should acquire communication skills, motivational methods and relaxation techniques to enhance support.