Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Paula-Marie Ferrara, Kinesiology
Document Type
Poster
Event Date
4-12-2024
Abstract
College athletes in the United States exhibit various declines in physical and mental health following retirement from sport. These declines in health are not well understood, however, one cause may be reduced exercise rates following retirement from regular sports training. It is unknown how former athletes' perceptions of health and fitness change after retirement and affect their exercise behavior post-sport. The purpose of this study was to understand former Division III (DIII) athletes' perceptions of health and fitness following college graduation and sports retirement and to explore what their future plans for exercise maintenance were. Recently graduated student-athletes from Hope College completed semi-structured interviews via Zoom. Participants' interviews were transcribed, then analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) methods. Participants included 19 former DIII athletes (22±1 years, 37% male, 84% White). The analysis yielded five key domains. Two pertained to participants’ perceptions of health and fitness: "Reasons Why Former Athletes are Exercising" and "Shifting Ideas on How to Exercise Without Sports Training". Three domains described their plans for maintaining future exercise: "Barriers That Limit an Active Lifestyle", "Not a Priority", and "Figuring It Out". Former athletes’ perceived a need for a post-sport break following retirement. They avoided exercise activities associated with negative sport experiences. Former athletes reported less activity than when still training in college, due to a lack of knowledge regarding exercise and health maintenance, as many participants were not aware of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults and habitually over- or underestimated healthy exercise thresholds. Former athletes also contended with the influx in autonomy for exercise as they retired; those who were engaging with exercise indicated primarily completing activities familiar to them, and preferred to exercise with family and friends to stay accountable. Researchers may use these results to better prepare athletes for their retirement in the future.
Recommended Citation
Repository citation: Clark, Christian A.; Vermeesch, Samantha M.; and Eckenrod, Morgan A., "Former NCAA DIII College Athletes' Perceptions and Plans For Maintaining Post-Sport Exercise Behavior" (2024). 23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024). Paper 85.
https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/curca_23/85
April 12, 2024. Copyright © 2024 Hope College, Holland, Michigan.
Comments
This research was supported by the Henderson Fund for Kinesiology Student Research.
Title on poster differs from abstract booklet. Poster title: Former College Athletes: Perceptions and Plans for Maintaining Exercise Post-Sport