by Chuma K. Msindo
Video depicting tertiary cheerleaders in South Africa demonstrating stunts, dance, jumps and elite-level gymnastic skills.
Teams featured in the video: University of Pretoria (TUKS), University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Witwatersrand (WITS), Rebel Athletix, Gymfinity, Extreme Platinum Plus, Cheerleading Central University of Technology (CUT), University of the Western Cape (UWC), University of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch University (MATIES).
Music description: A mix from one of TuksCheerleading’s routines created by the TuksCheer Coach combining: Beyoncé – ‘My House’ & Beyoncé ft BEAM – ‘Energy’.
Introduction and background
I started cheerleading in 2016, whilst beginning my undergraduate degree. I was only familiar with the sport through movies, but had a passion for performing, especially in dance, and felt inspired to try something different. Through rigorous training, injuries were commonplace. My teammates and I would often find it difficult to pull off stunts following an injury, and had to spend quite a bit of time preparing to perform again. Once I became a Music Therapy student and had to conduct research, I was curious as to how Music Therapy can be used during the process of rehabilitation. How could the world of sports benefit from Music Therapy interventions?
Competitive cheerleading is a dynamic sport characterised by intricate routines involving complex stunts, dance, jumps, and elite-level gymnastic tumbling skills. Cheerleading teams consist of ‘flyers’, who are lifted or tossed into the air by ‘bases’, with ‘spotters’ standing close by to prevent falls during stunts. Teams perform a two-and-a-half-minute routine set to fast-paced music showcasing these skills and a panel of expert judges evaluates these performances based on difficulty and execution (Deroche et al., 2011; Varsity, 2018).
In South Africa, cheerleading teams are affiliated with the South African Majorettes and Cheer Association (SAMCA), recognized by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). With the sport’s increasing technical difficulty and popularity, cheerleaders face significant risks of sports-related injuries (Jones & Khazzam, 2017). Since I’ve been a part of the cheerleading community throughout my tertiary studies, my interest in this research stems from a desire to understand the experiences of cheerleading athletes, particularly dealing with injury and re-injury anxiety, an area of study that seemed not to be widely spoken of within the cheerleading community.
Re-injury anxiety can negatively impact the recovery process, reduce self-reporting, and hinder a successful return to sport (Hsu et al., 2016). Athletes may experience hesitancy to perform at their full potential, leading to increased worry and tension (Ford et al., 2017). While various rehabilitative techniques are available, my focus as a Music Therapy Master’s student led me to explore the use of Music Therapy techniques during the rehabilitation process. Weller & Baker’s (2011) systematic review highlighted the effectiveness of Music Therapy techniques in physical rehabilitation for individuals with physical ailments, particularly in improving gait, fine, and gross motor functions. Music Therapy was found to increase motivation and satisfaction when patients’ preferred music was used, and the involvement of music therapists was crucial for adapting interventions based on patient behaviour (Weller & Baker, 2011).
“the involvement of music therapists was crucial for adapting interventions based on patient behaviour (Weller & Baker, 2011)”
Music-Assisted Relaxation (MAR), which uses live or recorded music and spoken instructions to induce relaxation, can be part of stress management techniques (Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, 2022). Prensner et al. (2001) described MAR as aiding pain and anxiety management through audio analgesia (the use of sound or music to reduce pain) and/or anxiolytic music (the use of music or sound to reduce anxiety). This approach seemed to offer a holistic solution to the psychological and physical challenges faced by cheerleaders during rehabilitation.
Research outline
My questions:
How do tertiary-level cheerleaders describe their lived experience of re-injury anxiety?
What role does music-assisted relaxation play in the rehabilitation process for tertiary-level cheerleaders living with re-injury anxiety?
The methodology:
This qualitative research used an exploratory case study approach focused on South African tertiary-level competitive cheerleaders.
Over three weeks, participants engaged in 30-45 minute Music Therapy sessions, including Music Assisted Relaxation (MAR) and other reflective interventions like verbal processing, music and clay work, and sonic sketching. I conducted pre- and post-interviews to gather insights on re-injury anxiety and experiences with MAR, as well as experience with other psychosocial support systems.
Discoveries:
The thematic analysis showed four major themes:
1. Experiences of injury in cheerleading: Participants detailed the physical and emotional toll of injuries and the persistent fear of re-injury.
2. Mental preparedness: The need for psychological resilience and confidence-building.
3. Rehabilitation and psychosocial support: Effective rehabilitation requires both physical and emotional support (often lacking in traditional methods as highlighted by participants).
4. Personal experiences of MAR and music therapy: Over the course of the study, participants reported that music significantly influenced their emotional and physical states, helping them manage mood and stress. Different genres and tempos were found to influence mood, from calming participants to energising them. Music interventions, MAR as a technique especially, helped participants align with and even alter their emotional states, demonstrating its potential as a tool for mood regulation. Expectations and experiences of Music Therapy included participants expressing curiosity and a desire to experience relaxation and confidence. Music Therapy helped participants step out of their comfort zones and connect with their emotions, facilitating personal growth. The integration of multi-modal practices, such art techniques and movement, alongside music, enriched the therapeutic process and allowed participants to process emotions creatively.
This research advocates for arts therapies in the South African sporting context by highlighting the significant impact of MAR on reducing re-injury anxiety. The integration of MAR into rehabilitation programs offers a holistic approach that addresses both psychological and physical aspects, promoting a more comprehensive recovery for cheerleaders.
Implications for music therapy practice
1. Integration of music therapy in athletic rehabilitation and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams: Music therapists could advocate for and integrate Music Therapy within athletic rehabilitation programs. This would involve collaborating with sports teams, coaches, and other key healthcare professionals to incorporate music-based interventions, such as Music-Assisted Relaxation (MAR), as part of the recovery process. By highlighting the benefits of Music Therapy in enhancing emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and improving rehabilitation outcomes, therapists can establish music as a vital component of holistic athlete care. This approach ensures that all aspects of an athlete’s recovery—physical, emotional, and psychological—are addressed.
2. Further research and development: Continued research into the specific effects of Music Therapy on athletes, particularly those dealing with re-injury anxiety, is essential. Music therapists should contribute to developing standardised protocols that can be used across sports settings. This ensures that interventions are both effective and meaningful, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Conclusion
This research underscores the importance of a holistic approach to rehabilitation that addresses both physical and psychological aspects. The integration of Music-Assisted Relaxation (MAR) into rehabilitation programs offers a promising solution to the challenges faced by cheerleaders dealing with re-injury anxiety. This study not only contributes to the understanding of re-injury anxiety in cheerleading but also advocates for the innovative application of arts therapies in sports rehabilitation in South Africa. The findings suggest that incorporating MAR can significantly improve the rehabilitation experience, ultimately leading to a more positive and rewarding cheerleading experience for athletes.
CHUMA K. MSINDO
Chuma has completed her Master’s in Music Therapy at the University of Pretoria and is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. She is currently based in Queenswood, Pretoria. Her passion for mental health and dedication to providing creative avenues for expression have driven her into this profession. She is looking forward to joining the team of fellow healthcare professionals.
During her time as a student intern, she gained experience in a diverse range of settings such as an old age home, remedial schools, paediatric oncology, and psychiatric care. Through her studies and practical experience, she has developed a deep understanding of how music can serve as a therapeutic tool to support individuals in various contexts.
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Varsity. 2018. What is Competitive Cheerleading? Retrieved February 2022. Available: https://www.varsity.com/news/what-is-competitive-cheerleading/.