Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the self-reported injury, training, and running technique choices of regular runners in four international regions. Design and setting756 participants began an expert derived self-report online survey in Ireland, USA, Hong Kong and Australia. Participants325 participants completed the survey (age = 38 ± 10 years; weight = 68.0 ± 13.1 kg; height = 1.70 ± 0.10 m). Main outcome measuresDescriptive statistics are reported examining injury incidence and location; shoe and orthosis choices; and training and technique practices. A backwards logistic regression was implemented to examine associations between injury and training choices. Results68.3% reported having an injury in the last year. 81.45% of these injuries were believed to be running related. A large variation in training and footwear choices were observed for respondents. The regression (P ≤ 0.001) explained 20% of the variance in injury selection (Nagelkerke R2) and was able to identify 73% of cases accurately. Associated injury factors included competitive running, running on more than one surface, younger age, having a lower running age, and a higher proportion of running at an easy intensity. ConclusionsThe high amount of variability in runner’s choices highlights the lack of consistent information being presented to them and may be the reason for the high injury incidence.
Highlights
Running as a form of physical activity and sport remains extremely popular worldwide (Running USA, 2019), because the convenient and accessible nature of this activity makes it appealing to a large majority of people (Lee et al, 2017)
68.3% (N 1⁄4 220) of respondents reported having an injury in the last year
We suggest that the large variation reported in the present study in all aspects of training may be a significant factor in the injury incidence of today
Summary
Running as a form of physical activity and sport remains extremely popular worldwide (Running USA, 2019), because the convenient and accessible nature of this activity makes it appealing to a large majority of people (Lee et al, 2017). The frequent injury incidence in running remains a concern over the last decade (van Gent et al, 2007; Kluitenberg et al, 2015a; Van Der Worp et al, 2015; Videbæk, Bueno, Nielsen, & Rasmussen, 2015), and recent self-report research suggests injury rates are unchanged or increased (Costa, Fonseca, Oliveira, Araujo, & Ferreira, 2020; Wiegand et al, 2019). These injuries can carry a psychological cost of triggering mental health issues (Putukian, 2016), and monetary cost of up to $10,000 USD per injury due to pain management, recovery time, and said influence on mental health (Hespanhol Junior et al, 2013; Knowles et al, 2007). Obtaining data related to running surface, technique choices, as well as participation in other sports/activities requires documentation
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