Case study exploring the role of music-assisted relaxation (MAR) for re-injury anxiety in tertiary-level cheerleaders with using thematic analysis

Competitive cheerleading is a dynamic sport characterised by intricate routines involving dance, stunts, and gymnastics. Athletes face the risk of injuries that not only impact their physical well-being but also introduce psychological challenges, particularly re-injury anxiety. This research explores the experiences of injury in cheerleading, focusing on sustaining injuries, responses to the thought of re-injury, skills for injury prevention, and the impact of re-injury anxiety during practice. Additionally, the study delves into mental preparedness, emphasising the development of a strong-willed mindset, the challenges of returning to practise prematurely, the unique affordances of cheerleading, and the importance of team relationships.
The investigation further examines rehabilitation and psychosocial support, uncovering the benefits and challenges of the rehabilitation process and athletes' previous experiences with psychosocial support. A novel aspect of the research involves exploring personal experiences of Music-assisted relaxation (MAR) in music therapy, considering perceived benefits, expectations, and individual encounters with this specific technique. The potential incorporation of MAR as a psychological strategy for managing re-injury anxiety during rehabilitation is a focal point of interest.

竞技啦啦队（Competitive cheerleading）是一项充满活力的体育运动，其特点为包含舞蹈、特技动作与体操动作的复杂成套编排。运动员面临伤病风险，此类伤病不仅会损害身体健康，还会带来心理层面的挑战，尤以再受伤焦虑（re-injury anxiety）最为突出。本研究聚焦啦啦队运动员的伤病经历，围绕伤病发生情况、对再受伤担忧的应对方式、伤病预防技能，以及训练期间再受伤焦虑的影响展开探讨。此外，本研究还深入分析了心理准备状态，重点关注坚毅心态的培养、过早恢复训练面临的挑战、竞技啦啦队特有的运动可供性，以及团队关系的重要性。
本调查进一步考察了康复治疗与社会心理支持（psychosocial support），揭示了康复进程的益处与挑战，以及运动员既往获得社会心理支持的相关经历。本研究的一项创新视角为探索音乐治疗中音乐辅助放松疗法（Music-assisted relaxation, MAR）的个人体验，涵盖其感知效益、预期效果，以及个体参与该特定技术的实际经历。将音乐辅助放松疗法作为康复期间管理再受伤焦虑的心理干预策略的潜在应用可能，是本研究的核心关注点。