Canada-based sports chiropractors' attitudes, beliefs, and practical application of sport psychology in the injury rehabilitation process: a mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand Canada-based sports chiropractors' attitudes, beliefs, and practical application of sport psychology in the sports injury rehabilitation process.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design was employed. A questionnaire was emailed to 144 eligible participants including Fellows and Residents of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences (Canada) (RCCSS(C)). Fifty-two surveys were returned fully completed. Fifteen respondents completed semi-structured interviews to further examine attitudes and beliefs in sport psychology training, delivery, and referrals.

RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds of Canada-based sports chiropractors felt that athletes were affected psychologically 100% of the time when injured. Sports chiropractors reported using some basic psychological techniques during the sports injury rehab process and expressed interest in having more training in more advanced techniques and practical application of these skills, as well as developing a referral network with sport psychology professionals in Canada.

CONCLUSIONS: Sports chiropractors in Canada reported receiving entry level training in sports psychology and understood the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of sports injury. Further research is warranted to explore the effectiveness of current and future sports psychology education interventions for sports chiropractors.