Elizabeth Redmond, “Resilience After Injury Recovery: Examination of Psychological Factors”
Mentor: John Denboer, Social Sciences & Business
Poster #156

In a study conducted by myself, Elizabeth Redmond, an undergraduate researcher at UW-Milwaukee, mentored by psychology professor Dr. John Denboer, we aim to find correlations between mental health and recovery progress of recreational athletes who have sustained ACL injury. Relevant information to note about this study is that recreational athletes have much less resources in terms of care in correlation to pro and/or collegiate athletes. What this means is, in most cases, they are seeing health care providers less frequently, and have less personalized rehabilitation plans. This almost always leads to their treatment taking longer than those of more personalized care, and establishing a lack of connection between patients and providers. With this research, we can look into the mental effects of injury and rehabilitation; and see if there are any correlations or actions to be implemented for recreational athletes to improve recovery time and make it equivalent to those of higher athletic status. Research methodology used in this study includes conducting likert style surveys to recreational athletes in rehabilitation for ACL injury, and analyzing data to see possible correlations between positive mental standing and faster recovery time. Once achieved, we will then look into specifics that may be impacting one’s mental health (assumed positively), whether that be spousal support, continuing work while injured, and so forth. This information will be gathered later in the study once baseline measurements of mental health in correspondence to injury and recovery have been conducted. Real world significance this study could bring are the implementation of research invented forms of support that could lessen recovery times of recreational athletes, effecting the number of clients able to be treated in hospitals, consequently also saving clients money on fewer visits, and more