The project aimed to explore differences in self-regulation strategies between injury-prone and injury-resistant runners to better understand the psychological mechanisms involved in injury prevention. This knowledge could inform future injury prevention efforts by integrating psychological factors. The study examined how passion, pain responses, experience levels, and gender associated with these strategies.
A retrospective cross-sectional design was used, with data collected via an online survey from Australian runners of varying injury histories and running experience. The survey gathered information on demographics, training characteristics, and running-related injuries (RRIs) using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire (OSTRC-H2) to assess injury severity and history.
The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire (OSTRC-H2) assessed injury history and severity, while self-regulation strategies were measured using the Demand-Induced Strain Compensation Questionnaire (DISQ-Sport 1.0 and 1.2) and the Self-Regulation of Sport Practice (SRSP) survey. The Passion Scale assessed passion types, and the Pain Responses Scale measured reactions to pain.
Comparative analyses between injury-prone and injury-resistant runners were conducted using SPSS.
Injury-prone runners showed higher injury severity, higher physical demands, and more negative pain responses, often associated with obsessive passion. In contrast, experienced runners exhibited better self-regulation and used more recovery strategies. Finally, gender-specific differences in pain responses, based on gender identification, revealed that females tend to have more negative emotional responses, such as helplessness and a perceived lack of control over the pain, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to address these reactions in injury prevention.
Self-regulation is crucial in distinguishing between injury-prone and injury-resistant runners. Longitudinal studies should further explore how self-regulation evolves and its long-term impact on injury prevention.
• Include psychological, behavioral, and self-regulation strategies alongside physiological interventions for injury-prone and novice runners.
• Lowering physical demands may not always be feasible, but restructuring cognitive, emotional, and physical resources can help manage the demands of running.
• Encourage runners to maintain harmonious passion and prioritise physical and mental recovery through regular breaks and recovery periods.
• Address negative pain responses by educating runners on the difference between “good” pain from training and “bad” pain from injury.
• People who identify as women might benefit from support in managing anxiety or depression that impacts running, using mindfulness to foster a positive relationship with pain.
• People who identify as men could focus on being attuned to their environment and emotions, seeking support, and incorporating mindfulness and mental toughness training to prevent injuries and setbacks.
running-related injuries
passion, pain responses
