Abstract
BackgroundMonitoring technology is increasingly accessible to recreational runners. Our aim was to examine patterns of technology use in recreational runners, and its potential association with injury.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study in a sample of adult runners. Recruitment took place at three different 5 km parkrun event across Northern Ireland. Demographics, technology use, running behaviour and running-related injury (RRI) history were examined. Regression analyses were performed to determine relationships between variables.ResultsResponses were obtained from 192 of 483 eligible finishers (39.8% response rate). Average age was 45.9 years (SD 10.3), with males (47.1 years SD 9.7) slightly older than females (44.8 years SD 10.8). On average, participants ran 3.0 days per week (SD 1.3), with an average weekly distance of 22.6 km (SD 19.7). Males typically ran further (MD 6.2 km/week; 95% CI 0.4 to 12.0) than females. Monitoring technology was used by 87.4% (153/175); with GPS watches the most common device (87.6% (134/153)). Runners using monitoring technology ran further (MD 14.4 km/week; 95% CI 10.3 to 18.5) and more frequently (MD 1.3 days/week; 95% CI 0.7 to 1.9) than those who did not use monitoring technology. There was no significant difference in average age between runners who used monitoring technology and those who did not (MD 4.0 years; 95% CI −0.7 to 8.7). RRI was reported by 40.6% (71/175) of participants in the previous 12 months. In a univariate analysis, none of the selected predictors (age, number of days run per week, distance run per week, or usage of technology to modify training pattern) (p > 0.1) were associated with RRI.ConclusionsThis study found a high prevalence of monitoring technology usage among recreational runners. While the incidence of RRI remains high, it is not associated with the usage of monitoring technology. Further prospective research should examine if monitoring technology can reduce RRI incidence among recreational runners in future.
Highlights
Monitoring technology is increasingly accessible to recreational runners
Demographic characteristics Responses were obtained from 192 of 483 eligible parkrun finishers asked to participate in the study (39.8% response rate)
There was no significant difference in average age between runners who used monitoring technology and those who did not (MD 4.0 years; 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) −0.7 to 8.7, p = 0.093)
Summary
Monitoring technology is increasingly accessible to recreational runners. Our aim was to examine patterns of technology use in recreational runners, and its potential association with injury. Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, with clear physical and mental health benefits [1, 2]. The prevalence of musculoskeletal injury in recreational runners ranges from 19 to 79%, with variance potentially explained by factors such as study duration, sex or running experience [3, 8,9,10,11]. A previous systematic review found preliminary evidence that women have a lower risk of RRI than men, but study quality was. Identifying important risk factors for running-related injury (RRI) can inform the development of injury prevention interventions for recreational runners, with cumulative population-level health benefits
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