Biopsychosocial experiences of Chinese university dancers during injury rehabilitation: a qualitative study

Injury rehabilitation is a complex process shaped by interacting biological, psychological, and social factors. This study aimed to explore the biopsychosocial experiences of Chinese university dancers during injury rehabilitation. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured in-depth interviews with seven Chinese university dancers who had experienced injury rehabilitation. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes across biopsychosocial domains. The findings revealed that injury rehabilitation experiences were multidimensional. At the biological level, participants reported physical symptoms such as pain, joint instability, and reduced flexibility, along with somatic responses including headaches and sleep disturbances. Some dancers also described physical growth following rehabilitation, including improved strength and flexibility. At the psychological level, negative emotions such as anxiety, frustration, anger, and guilt were prominent, while resilience grounded in a positive mindset also emerged. At the social level, emotional and practical support from parents, teachers, and peers functioned as protective factors, whereas pressure to return, indifference, and criticism acted as risk factors. Notably, participants’ experiences were situated within a broader cultural context, which influenced their perceptions of injury, responses to rehabilitation, and interactions with their social environment. These findings suggest that dancers’ injury rehabilitation should be understood within an expanded biopsychosocial framework that incorporates cultural context. The study highlights the need for integrated and culturally sensitive rehabilitation interventions for injured dancers. Future research should adopt cross-cultural and longitudinal approaches to further elucidate these experiences.