NSAWMF Resources
We've compiled the best resources and content for the sports community to address some of the issues impacting athletes along their journey.
Research & Studies on Athlete Wellness and Mental Fitness
Under the face mask: Racial-ethnic minority student-athletes and mental health use.
Summary: Many student-athletes from racial and ethnic minority groups struggle with mental health, but most do not get help. In a study of 241 college athletes, 78% said they needed mental health support, but only 11% used mental health services. Athletes with higher stress and those in their junior or senior years were more likely to seek help. Experts should work to make mental health services easier to access for these athletes.
Summary: Many college athletes struggle when they stop playing sports, but different parts of wellness—like emotional, social, and physical health—can help them adjust. Researchers interviewed 13 former Division I athletes to learn what helped or hurt their well-being during this change. They found that understanding their identity, having support from others, and taking care of their mental and physical health made the transition easier. This study can help create better programs to support athletes as they move on from college sports.
NCAA Student-Athlete Mental Health and Wellness: A Biopsychosocial Examination.
Summary: College athletes may have more mental health struggles than other students. This study found that female athletes, athletes from minority groups, and those in Division I sports had higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. They also reported a lower quality of life compared to White, male, and lower-division athletes. More research is needed to understand these challenges and find ways to help.
Summary: The study explores how difficult childhood experiences (like abuse, neglect, or family problems) affect the health of college athletes. Researchers surveyed 477 student-athletes and found that nearly two-thirds had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). These experiences were linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, injuries, and substance use, while also lowering social support. The study also found that spirituality helped improve mental and physical health, but surprisingly, it did not reduce the negative effects of ACEs on substance use. The results suggest that colleges should focus more on mental health support for student-athletes with challenging backgrounds.
The Impacts of COVID-19 on Collegiate Student-Athlete Training, Health, and Well-Being.
Summary: The study examines how COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders affected college athletes' training, nutrition, sleep, and mental health. Many athletes struggled to train properly due to limited equipment and motivation, with only about 39% able to follow their training plans fully. Female and Division III athletes faced more challenges, reporting more stress, sleep disturbances, and mental health concerns. Despite getting more sleep, many athletes felt increased anxiety and lower motivation. The findings suggest that schools should improve mental health support and adjust training programs to help athletes transition back to sports.
Science of sleep and sports performance – a scoping review.
Summary: Sleep is very important for athletes because it helps their bodies recover and perform well. Lack of sleep can cause injuries, stress, and poor focus, making it harder to compete. Many things, like travel, overtraining, and stress, can lead to sleep problems for athletes. Studies show that getting enough sleep, taking naps, and having good sleep habits can improve athletic performance. Coaches should help athletes get proper rest to keep them healthy and performing at their best.
Sleep and the Young Athlete. Sports Health
Summary: Sleep is very important for both thinking and physical performance, especially for teenage athletes. Many young athletes (ages 13-19) have trouble sleeping, which can hurt their health and sports performance. However, there aren’t many clear guidelines on how to help them sleep better. This study looks at research to give coaches, trainers, and doctors advice on improving sleep for young athletes so they can perform better and avoid injuries.
Neurorehabilitation of Persistent Sport-Related Post-Concussion Syndrome.
Summary: The article discusses Persistent Sport-Related Post-Concussion Syndrome (PPCS), a condition where concussion symptoms last longer than expected. It highlights that there is no clear diagnostic standard, leading to misdiagnoses that can delay proper treatment. The authors suggest using a BioPsychoSocial approach, which looks at physical, psychological, and social factors to understand and treat PPCS. The study also reviews different rehabilitation techniques, including cognitive therapy, mindfulness, biofeedback, and physical therapy, to help athletes recover. The article stresses the need for better diagnosis methods and individualized treatment plans for athletes suffering from long-term concussion effects.
The Impact of Sleep Interventions on Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review.
Summary: The article reviews different ways to improve sleep and how they affect athletic performance. Researchers analyzed 25 studies and found that getting more sleep at night or taking naps helped athletes perform better physically and mentally. Other methods, like mindfulness and adjusting light exposure, showed promise, but more research is needed. Strategies like removing electronic devices at night and cold water immersion did not significantly improve sleep or performance. The study suggests that longer sleep and naps are the best ways to boost athletic performance and recovery.
Student-Athlete Perceptions of Stress, Support, and Seeking Mental Health Services.
Summary: The study explores how college athletes feel about stress, support, and seeking mental health services. Many athletes feel overwhelmed by their schedules, balancing sports, school, and personal life, which affects their mental health. The research found that athletes are more likely to seek help from non-team staff, like counselors, rather than their coaches or team staff. Athletes also believe their teammates would accept those who seek mental health support, but they think their teammates may judge others for doing so. The study suggests that better education and support programs can help reduce stigma and encourage athletes to get the mental health care they need.