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Psychological Readiness and Return to Sport
Lucy E Meyer1, Shreya Saraf2, Mary K Mulcahey3
1The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 W Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657, USA.
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Psychological readiness, particularly fear of reinjury (kinesiophobia), significantly impacts athletes returning to sport after surgery. Addressing these psychological factors is crucial for successful return to sport outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Psychological readiness is increasingly recognized as vital for athletes' return to sport (RTS).
- Fear of reinjury, or kinesiophobia, is a key psychological factor linked to poorer RTS outcomes.
- Validated tools exist to assess psychological readiness for RTS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of psychological readiness in RTS.
- To identify fear of reinjury as a significant risk factor.
- To discuss factors influencing RTS after shoulder instability and ACL reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on psychological factors in RTS.
- Analysis of existing validated questionnaires for psychological assessment.
- Examination of studies on RTS following shoulder instability and ACL reconstruction.
Main Results:
- Fear of reinjury (kinesiophobia) is a major psychological barrier to RTS.
- Psychological readiness is as important as physical function for successful RTS.
- Factors like gender influence RTS outcomes post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Psychological readiness, especially managing fear of reinjury, is critical for athletes' RTS.
- Comprehensive RTS protocols should integrate psychological assessments.
- Further research is needed on factors influencing RTS, including gender-specific considerations.
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