Development of a Grounded Theory Model for Preventive Management of Sports Injuries in Young Athletes with Emphasis on the Role of Managerial, Educational, and Psychological Factors

Introduction: Sports injuries among young athletes represent one of the most significant challenges to their physical and psychological health, with extensive implications for their professional development and athletic performance. Despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, managerial and preventive approaches have received comparatively less attention. The objective of this research is to develop a grounded theory model for the preventive management of sports injuries in young athletes, emphasizing the role of managerial, educational, and psychological factors.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted based on the Grounded Theory methodology, utilizing the systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin (2015). Participants included fitness coaches, team physicians, sports psychologists, club managers, and young athletes (aged 15 to 23) from football, volleyball, and track and field disciplines, who were selected through theoretical sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed in three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding.
Results:  Data analysis led to the extraction of 29 sub-categories and 7 main categories, which were organized within the framework of the Strauss and Corbin paradigm model. The core phenomenon was identified as "Comprehensive Preventive Management of Sports Injuries Based on Educational and Psychological Empowerment." Causal conditions included "Training Load Pressure and Weak Management of Training Load." Contextual conditions involved "Lack of Scientific Education on Injury Prevention." Intervening conditions encompassed "Psychological Support, Coach-Athlete Relationship, and Safety Culture." Core strategies consisted of "Developing Preventive Guidelines, Interdisciplinary Education, and Enhancing Athletes' Psychological Skills." The consequences were "Reduced Incidence of Injuries, Improved Performance, and Enhanced Psychological Well-being of Athletes."
Conclusion: The final model demonstrated that effective preventive management requires the integration of three core dimensions: managerial, educational, and psychological. Attention to these components in the policymaking of federations and clubs can significantly reduce the likelihood of sports injuries among youth.