The Influence of Coach, Parent, and Environment on Young Gymnasts' Experience of Pain
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Authors
Wever-Glen, Sasha
Issue Date
2015
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore young competitive gymnasts' experience of pain within their gymnastic club environment, and to further gain information about who or what may influence their understanding of pain. Nemeth, Von Baeyer, & Rocha (2005) conducted a study examining competitive gymnasts' understanding of pain; results showed that 19 of the 21 female participants ages six to eight could not articulate what the pain meant, nor could they articulate whether it was a result of hard work or injury. In the present study, data were collected through semi-structured interviews to explore and expand on Nemeth, Von Baeyer, &Rocha's (2005) findings. The current study included a total of 10 participants: four female Junior Olympic competitive level gymnasts between the ages of 6-8, one female parent of each of the participating gymnasts, and two Junior Olympic team head coaches of the gymnasts. Analysis of the transcribed interviews with all participants, served to develop eight interacting themes and several subthemes. The eight major themes addressed: communication, observation, gymnasts' understanding of pain, working with pain, fatigue, injury prevention, perseverance, and worry. The data strongly indicated that a young gymnast's experience of pain is dependent upon the level of communication between coaches, parents and gymnasts regarding pain and potential painful incidents. Further analysis revealed the need for a standard protocol for addressing injury and pain in the gymnastics environment, one which would effectively relay information between coach, parent and child prior to beginning practice on the Junior Olympic team.