Clinical Research Directory

Residual Athletic Identity, Body Image, and Emotional Symptoms in Retired Rhythmic Gymnasts

Background. Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport characterized by high physical and aesthetic demands and typically early competitive retirement. In this context, athletic identity and body image play a central role during the athletic career and may be compromised after retirement, particularly in aesthetic disciplines. However, the relationship between these constructs in retired rhythmic gymnasts has been scarcely investigated. Objective. To analyze the relationship between athletic identity and body image in retired rhythmic gymnasts, in order to better understand the psychosocial factors influencing post-retirement adaptation. Methods. An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study will be conducted using a self-administered online survey targeting retired rhythmic gymnasts aged ≥18 years. The primary study variables will be positive body image and residual athletic identity. Additional independent and predictive variables will include sociodemographic characteristics and sport career-related factors (age, age at initiation in rhythmic gymnastics, duration of the athletic career, highest competitive level achieved, and satisfaction with the athletic career). A set of potential confounding or moderating variables will also be considered (time since retirement and type of sport retirement). Statistical analyses will include descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Expected results. An association between residual athletic identity and body image after sport retirement is expected, moderated by time since retirement and type of retirement, with implications for identifying profiles of greater vulnerability and informing the design of preventive interventions.

Preparation for Sports Retirement: Study Protocol

Background: This article presents the protocol for a randomised controlled trial designed to develop and evaluate a psychoeducational intervention aimed at preparing high-performance athletes for the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to retirement from sport. The protocol was developed through a literature review and consultations with experts in sports psychology and career transition. Methods: The study will be conducted at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Salamanca (Spain). High-performance athletes aged 30 or older who are close to retirement or who have retired in the last five years will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group, which will undergo a psychoeducational programme consisting of 12 sessions over 3 months; and the control group, which will receive a minimum educational programme of one session. All participants will complete initial and final assessments, as well as a 3-month follow-up, collecting sociodemographic data and applying various psychological, social and health assessment instruments. Discussion: This protocol describes a comprehensive psychoeducational intervention aimed at improving quality of life and attitudes towards retirement from sport, increasing life satisfaction, psychological flexibility, perceived social support, general health, self-efficacy and self-regulation, and reducing negative stereotypes associated with the end of a sporting career. The evidence generated will guide future interventions, policies, and educational programmes to promote a healthy, active, and satisfying transition to the post-sport stage.

Psycho-educational Intervention Programme for Comprehensive Preparation for Retirement: Study Protocol

Background: The transition to retirement can be a challenging event, necessitating the adjustment of new routines, roles and expectations. Such modifications have the potential to impact the individual's quality of life and psychosocial well-being. t is of the utmost importance to develop intervention programmes that prepare people for retirement, with the objective of facilitating a positive and healthy transition. Methods: A parallel randomised controlled clinical trial with two arms will be conducted. The study will be conducted at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Salamanca (USAL) in Spain. The study will recruit individuals aged 60 years or older who are already retired or who will retire within the next five years. The participants will be divided into two groups: the intervention group (IG), which will undergo a comprehensive psychoeducational intervention programme, and the control group (CG), which will engage in a controlled follow-up. The programme will comprise 12 sessions over a period of three months. All participants will be assessed at the outset and conclusion of the study, as well as after three months, during which time data regarding their socio-demographic characteristics and responses to the following scales will be collected: The World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure - Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), the Retirement Attitudes Scale (EAJ), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Questionnaire of Stereotypes towards Old Age (CENVE), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), the MOS Questionnaire of Perceived Social Support (MOS), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (EAG) and the Self-Regulation Scale (EAR). Discussion: The objective of this study is to enhance the comprehension and implementation of intervention programmes in anticipation of retirement and the subsequent phase of life. To this end, a comprehensive psychoeducational intervention is proposed, with the aim of improving quality of life and attitudes towards retirement, increasing life satisfaction, psychological flexibility, perceived social support and general health, self-efficacy and self-regulation, and reducing stereotypes about ageing. The programme is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to retirement.