ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on relevant psychological theories and research with the goal of providing insight into the factors affecting persons with exercise injuries journey from motivation to adherence. It examines key definitions, concepts, and relevant theoretical foundations for understanding individuals' reactions to exercise-related injury. The chapter discusses the existing research pertaining to individuals' psychological reactions to exercise injuries. It evaluates research to date in relation to individuals' readiness for post-injury behavior change required to maintain motivation during rehabilitation and subsequent return to physical activity. This will be followed by examples of evidence-based practice and suggestions for future research and practice. The chapter provides theoretical frameworks on, and practical solutions for, the psychological process of exercise injury. It explains a definition from sport injury rehabilitation literature in which "adherence is seen as the extent to which an individual completes behaviors as part of a treatment regimen designed to facilitate recovery from injury".
