Identity and Sport Participation Following Limb Loss: A Qualitative Study

Background/Objective: Research indicates that sport is a useful avenue in rehabilitation for redeveloping identity for people with a limb amputation. However, the available research focusses on Paralympians or elite athletes with disabilities. By contrast, this study aimed to explore the experience of sport participation and identity in lay members of the public who had undergone limb amputation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews took place with nine people who had undergone amputation and participated in sport. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Four themes were developed from the data: (1) enabling a feeling of normality and equality; (2) becoming a better person; (3) belonging and connection; and (4) experiencing and responding to the gaze of others. The findings highlight the role of sport in facilitating personal growth through a desire to help and inspire others. Conclusions: Rehabilitation professionals involved in care following amputation could offer person-centred therapies to those who may be reluctant to participate in sport in a way that makes use of a person’s values and facilitates personal growth.