APS2023: Annual Scientific Meeting Travel Grant Recipient Report

Author name: Nicole Rickerby          

Author: Nicole is a PhD candidate in the School of Psychology at The University of Queensland. Nicole’s PhD research focuses on investigating mind-body therapies for pain management and injury prevention in athletes.

Author contact details: Nicole.rickerby@uqconnect.edu.au

Investigating Predictors of Pain Outcomes in Athletes

The ASM travel grant was instrumental in facilitating my attendance at the conference and presenting both my poster and a rapid communication speech. Without it, I would have faced significant financial constraints that would have hindered my ability to participate.

Among the various sessions I attended, my favourite were the rapid communication sessions. These sessions served as a platform to showcase the cutting-edge and innovative research being conducted by fellow researchers across diverse disciplines. It was a privilege to present my work in this format alongside like-minded researchers who shared my passion and enthusiasm.

The main finding of my research highlighted that athletes who experienced pain as less intense and unpleasant tend to exhibit more positive emotions and thoughts of approaching pain, resulting in pain approach behaviours. Conversely, negative emotions such as depression and anxiety, along with catastrophic thoughts about pain, predict more intense and unpleasant pain experiences, which in turn are associated with pain withdrawal behaviours. These findings advance our understanding of pain perception and responses in athletes, thereby informing decision-making regarding appropriate management strategies for exercise-related pain.

I was fortunate that my work was well received at the meeting. Following my rapid communication session, several researchers and practitioners approached me at my poster to discuss my research. The positive reception emphasised the relevance and potential impact of the findings, reinforcing my commitment to this line of research. Engaging with attendees and receiving their feedback was invaluable, providing additional insights and perspectives that will continue to inform my work. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to establish connections with potential collaborators from other universities specialising in the field of pain and athletes, providing exciting prospects for the future.

I look forward to more attendances at the APS ASM, where I can continue to present my work and connect with like-minded researchers in the multidisciplinary field of pain. The conference provides an ideal environment for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the exploration of novel research.

Declaration: Nicole Rickerby has nothing to declare.