This study aimed to use qualitative research methodology to explore how injury-prone and injury-resistant runners use self-regulation strategies to prevent and manage RRIs. Of interest was also the role that stress, and associated stress coping strategies played in runners experience and self-regulation of RRIs. It aims to act as a stepping stone for the creation and implementation of targeted injury prevention programs and to gain further understanding of runners experiences and behaviours with RRIs.
Recreational runners (N = 14; mean age =37.35; 5 males) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview method. 7 runners were classified as injury-prone and 7 identified as injury-resistant. Interviews explored their running background, injury history, stress coping strategies as well as their self-regulatory strategies before, during and after runs. Data analysis was then conducted using the six-phase reflexive thematic analysis.
Through our thematic analysis, we interpreted six themes that captured the regulatory experiences of our participants: Goal Setting, Social Running, Listen to the Body, Learn from Experience, Acceptance of Runner’s Reality, Ignoring Initial Signs of Injury. It was identified that injury-resistant runners were able to be flexible and wholistic with their running outlook. Injury-prone runners used maladaptive regulatory behaviours and only self-regulated once an injury had occurred. Regardless of injury history, runners found taking control of their life as a core stress coping strategy that influenced their regulation of RRIs.
These results suggest the importance of promoting self-efficacy in runners’ regulatory processes. This may empower runners to be proactive in their recognition and prevention of RRIs. This study is a stepping-stone towards the development of a targeted injury prevention program to reduce the prevalence of RRIs in recreational runners.
These results have practical implications for recreational runners and health practitioners. It outlines the importance of implementing appropriate, realistic, and incremental goals, responding early when faced with niggles/RRIs, and encouraging runners to consciously see running as a tool for physical wellbeing, rather than an outcome-based task. Clinically, it implicates the importance of clinicians, personal trainers, coaches, etc. empowering runners to prioritise feel and bodily signals instead of relying on wearable technology. This will encourage the development of positive responses to niggles and RRIs, which in turn may reduce the prevalence of RRIs in recreational runners.
Self-Regulation
Stress-Coping
