Sports Science Master’s Degree for Biokineticist

BY: .

Ashleigh Hall and Associates’ biokineticist Ms Chandrisha Juggath graduated with a Master’s degree in Sports Science following a study examining the psychological influence of injuries on athletes returning to play after injury.

‘We found that there are various negative thoughts and feelings that athletes go through when they are injured which may affect their rehabilitation outcome,’ said Juggath. ‘The research results established that not every physically fit athlete is psychologically ready to return to sport and that more importance and attention needs to be placed on assessing these aspects so that they can be addressed timeously.’

According to Juggath, her study is one of the very few that assesses athletes’ fear avoidance as well as their psychological readiness to return to play and also finds correlation and patterns between the two components.

‘I am extremely proud of myself for this achievement,’ she said. ‘I put in a lot of hard work and effort and it has all paid off now,’ said Juggath.

She will start her PhD in January 2023 and thereafter hopes to be able to work as an academic in a field she is confident she will excel in.

Juggath is interested in sports, including rehabilitative sports, and musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. ‘I also particularly enjoy constantly learning and contributing to existing knowledge so a good way for me to do so is to engage in research. I would also like to use this qualification to assist me to become a researcher.’ 

She said one of the hardest parts of conducting her study was that she started data collection during a period where the pandemic was restricting a lot of sporting activities so she had a challenge with recruiting enough participants but thankfully with the assistance of her supervisor, Professor Rowena Naidoo, she managed to persevere and eventually overcame this challenge.

‘A lot of my support and encouragement to overcome obstacles during my research came from my family. My father is constantly at my side and always doing the most to ensure my success and my husband is a pillar of strength and support in everything I do.’

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sandile Ndlovu