EFFECT OF RELAXATION TECHNIQUESON INJURY REHABILITATION OUTCOMES OF ATHLETES IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA
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Date
2026-03-26
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Abstract
This study examined the effect of relaxation techniques on injury rehabilitation outcomes among injured athletes in
North-Central Nigeria, while also assessing the moderating influence of gender and sports type. A quasi-experimental
pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group design was adopted, involving two groups: an experimental group
(Niger State) exposed to relaxation techniques and a control group (Kwara State) that received a placebo intervention in
the form of a personal hygiene guide. The population consisted of 39 injured athletes undergoing rehabilitation (Niger:
18; Kwara: 21).. A total enumeration sampling technique was used to include all athletes undergoing rehabilitation who
met the inclusion criteria. The experimental group participated in an eight-week structured relaxation program
incorporating progressive muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation,
while the control group attended parallel sessions on hygiene education. Data were collected using the Adapted Injury–
Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Scale (I-PRRS) and the Athlete Injury Rehabilitation Screening Checklist
(AIR_SC), both with high reliability coefficients of 0.92 and 0.81, respectively. Data were analyzed using Analysis of
Covariance (ANCOVA) at a 0.05 significance level. The results revealed a significant effect of relaxation techniques on
injury rehabilitation outcomes (F = 91.86, p < 0.05, partial η² = 0.72), indicating strong intervention effectiveness.
However, gender and sports type showed no significant interaction effects, suggesting the intervention’s universal
applicability. It was concluded that relaxation techniques enhance psychological readiness and recovery across all
athlete groups. The study recommends that coaches and sports psychologists integrate relaxation techniques into
rehabilitation programs to promote holistic, efficient, and humane recovery among injured athletes.