Post-traumatic stress disorder and its influence on fear return to sports among injured athletes

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) severity and the fear of returning to sport (RTS) among 42 injured athletes aged 18–30. Recognizing that psychological barriers like intrusive thoughts and hypervigilance can significantly hinder recovery, researchers utilized the PCL-5 and FRESS scales to assess mental health impacts within a month of injury. By analyzing these data through descriptive and inferential statistics, the study emphasizes the critical need to integrate psychological assessments into standard return-to-play protocols to address the high prevalence of PTSD and fear-based barriers in athletic populations.