Understanding the Lived Experience of Elite Athletes from the Consequences of Sports Injuries: A Phenomenological Approach

Today, the consequences of sports injuries create many problems for health, athletes, coaches, clubs, families and the sports community, and impose direct and indirect costs on the society. The purpose of this study was phenomenological analysis (understanding of lived experiences) of elite athletes from the sports injuries consequences.

The research method was qualitative phenomenology. Participants included 30 elite athletes, who were purposefully selected from the injured athletes of national and club teams. The research tool was unstructured interviews. The process of completing interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Each interview lasted between 35 to 65 minutes. The seven-step Klaizi model was used for collecting and analyzing data.

Analyzing the data revealed 9 main themes, and 74 concepts. Consequences of physical, family, psychological, social, economic, sports, cultural, lifestyle changes, and migration were the main axes (main themes) of findings of this study.

Due to harmful consequences of sports injuries, we suggest making necessary arrangements to increase safety in sports places and events, and also providing support in legal terms, finance, occupation and life and pension insurance of athletes.