Introduction
Rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a multifaceted process, often fraught with psychological challenges that can impede an athlete's return to sport. The BAck iN the Game (BANG) smartphone application has emerged as a promising tool to address these challenges, offering self-directed psychological support to athletes during their rehabilitation journey. This blog delves into the findings of a recent study that explored athletes' experiences with the BANG app, providing insights for practitioners to enhance their rehabilitation strategies.
Understanding the BANG App
The BANG app is a 24-week eHealth program designed to complement traditional physiotherapy by offering psychological support tailored to the unique challenges athletes face post-ACLR. The app includes modules on goal setting, confidence building, and emotional management, among others, and is intended to be used alongside regular rehabilitation sessions.
Key Findings from the Study
The study involved interviews with 19 athletes who used the BANG app during their rehabilitation. The analysis revealed three main categories of experiences:
- Interacting with the App: Athletes appreciated the app's flexibility, allowing them to engage with content based on their interests and needs. Notifications served as helpful reminders, although some participants stopped using the app when they felt it was no longer necessary.
- Challenging Experiences: Some athletes faced difficulties with app navigation and felt that the content was not always aligned with their specific sport or rehabilitation phase. Technical issues with notifications were also reported.
- Supportive Experiences: The app was praised for its educational content and its role in boosting confidence and motivation. Athletes found value in the app's ability to facilitate reflection and goal setting.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, the insights from this study highlight the importance of integrating psychological support into rehabilitation programs. Here are some actionable steps to consider:
- Incorporate Psychological Support: Encourage athletes to use tools like the BANG app to complement physiotherapy, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of recovery.
- Customize Content: Tailor app content to better align with the specific needs and sports of individual athletes, enhancing engagement and effectiveness.
- Enhance Communication: Provide additional guidance on app usage and content selection to ensure athletes are making the most of the resources available to them.
Encouraging Further Research
While the BANG app shows promise, further research is needed to refine its features and integration into rehabilitation protocols. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in studies and share their experiences to contribute to the ongoing development of effective eHealth interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Athletes’ experiences of using a self-directed psychological support, the BAck iN the Game (BANG) smartphone application, during rehabilitation for return to sports following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
