Investigation of the anxiety experienced by ampute athletes regarding football

This study aims to examine the concerns of amputee athletes related to amputee football and the strategies they use to overcome these concerns. The population of this study consists of all amputee athletes interested in amputee football. However, the sample is composed of athletes from an amputee football club. This qualitative research was conducted using a case study design. The research data were collected from athletes at one amputee football club using a semi-structured interview form. The interview questions were prepared with consideration of the relevant literature review and input from one expert in qualitative research, one expert in sports sciences, and one amputee football coach. The research data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. Content analysis involves systematically examining, coding, and grouping the data obtained from the interviews into themes. Based on the participants' responses, codes such as injury, stump, lack of knowledge, pessimism, and embarrassment emerged, and these codes were grouped under the broader themes of health, guidance, and emotions. As strategies for overcoming the concerns they face, codes such as learning by doing, coach support, peer support, and family support were identified, and these codes were grouped under the overarching themes of experience and motivation. As a result of the research, it can be said that amputee athletes, when they first start football, do not know what kind of difficulties they will face until they step onto the field, experience shyness, and have concerns about whether they will succeed. Additionally, after starting football, concerns such as embarrassment, injury, and damage to the stump emerged. Based on these findings, several recommendations have been developed.