Exploring the role of Music-Assisted Relaxation for re-injury anxiety in tertiary-level cheerleaders 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.