Abstract
BACKGROUND: The value of social support in enhancing performance is well established in non-impaired and sub-international level athletes with impairments. Despite this, no research to date has explored the experiences of social support in elite para-athletes. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of social support in elite British para-swimmers and the influence on their wellbeing and performance.
METHODS: A hermeneutic phenomenological study involving semi-structured interviews was undertaken with 8 elite British para-swimmers (3 male, 5 female, mean age 24.9 years). Participants represented 5 para-swimming classes and all 10 of the International Paralympic Committee impairment categories. Data were analysed following a modified version of the Framework Method. Research quality and trustworthiness were ensured through employing techniques including data triangulation, member checking and reflexivity.
RESULTS: Five themes and 11 sub-themes were generated. The five themes were: 'the coach-athlete relationship', 'team bond', 'tangible aid', 'The Podium Illusion' and 'British para-swimming'. The overall findings and the magnitude of support mentioned in the fourth theme led to the development of a new model called 'The Podium Illusion' which reflects the magnitude of support that is available to elite para-swimmers to help maximise their performance and wellbeing.
CONCLUSION: Social support is essential for athlete wellbeing and performance. Findings underpin a new model, 'The Podium Illusion'.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 42 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 21 Apr 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2021, The Author(s).
Keywords
- Para-sport
- Para-swimming
- Paralympic
- Performance
- Social support
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation