The Contribution of Sport in the Rehabilitation Process of Disabled Military Veterans: A Case Study of the 2016 Invictus Games

A growing body of research highlights the positive impacts of sport and physical activity upon the physical and mental well-being of traumatically injured military personnel. This study, conducted at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida, sought to understand the role of sport in the rehabilitation process of military personnel who have undergone traumatic injury or have experienced chronic illness. Data were derived from in-depth focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and open-ended questions with competitors, team managers, and family members. Findings indicated that the use of sport and physical activity has been an effective rehabilitation tool for those who competed. Tactics such as goal setting and team mentality, often critical components of both sport and military training, are helpful in allowing these competitors to reconnect with their military identity, without the negative implications of self-comparison.