Physical Activity in Former Competitive Athletes: The Physical and Psychological Impact of Musculoskeletal Injury

ABSTRACT

Although competitive athletes exceed recommendations for physical activity while they are competing in sport, this does not necessarily translate into regular physical activity after retirement from sport. Research suggested the nature of competitive sport participation may not be conducive to lifelong physical activity. We propose one element of competitive sport participation that may impede physical activity post-retirement is injury. We propose that Vela and Denegar’s model of transient disablement in the physically active with musculoskeletal injuries (DPA) may be appropriate to examine the long-term consequences of sport-related injury—particularly with respect to physical activity disablement. Based on our review of literature, we propose the physical and psychological effects of injuries in sports present unique long-term barriers to physical activity in former competitive athletes. Future research could use the DPA as a foundation for assessing the long-term implications of sport-related injuries—particularly with respect to physical activity.

KEYWORDS:

• Sport injury
• elite athletes
• athlete health
• long-term health
• sport retirement
• physical activity