Narrative affinities of the lived experiences of asthma and sporting embodiment

Abstract

"The purpose of this study was to conduct an investigation of the lived experiences of asthma and sporting embodiment in non-elite sportspeople of different ages and levels of ability, involved in a range of sports. Despite the prevalence of asthma and exercise-induced asthma/bronchoconstriction, there is a distinct lacuna in terms of qualitative research into living with asthma, and specifically in relation to sports participation. The salient themes that were identified through a narrative analysis from this study are portrayed relating to (i) restoring health; (ii) fighting asthma; and (iii) integrating asthma. These themes aim to enhance our understanding of the way sportspeople experience living with asthma through a narrative lens. By this means this paper aims to contribute to, and take forward the literature of sporting embodiment in two key areas: (i) narratives of asthma and sporting embodiment; (ii) qualitative studies of chronic illness experiences in sport.