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Exploring the psychological aspects of sport injury
Exploring the psychological aspects of sport injury

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2 Goal setting and sport injury rehabilitation

Goal setting is a psychological technique that most people involved in sport and exercise are well versed in. Effective goal setting is a key part of sport injury rehabilitation and is considered to be a highly effective technique (Arvinen-Barrow and Hemmings, 2013). Sport and exercise participants are used to working towards targets and so often need such targets within their rehabilitation programmes. There is a wide variety of goals that might be set for those recovering from sport injury and some of these are summarised in Figure 2.

Types of goal for sport injury rehabilitation.
Figure 2 Types of goal for sport injury rehabilitation (Arvinen-Barrow and Hemmings, 2013, p. 60)

Setting goals can help focus the individual’s attention, keep them motivated and increase their adherence, but how do you know that your goal setting is effective? You will look at what constitutes effective goal setting next.