Injury prevalence in recreational runners

Abstract

Introduction. The benefits attributed to running include: improving mental and physical health, weight control, as well as reducing stress. However, the occurrence of injuries in this sport is common and carries consequences that can permanently affect the body. Nowadays, modern methods are being analyzed to counteract incorrect training loads, which are assessed on the basis of the multifactorial risk of their formation. In addition, an important aspect that allows for a faster, post-injury return to efficient running is the use of a properly selected rehabilitation protocol. Purpose of research. The main aim of the study was to determine the risk factors and frequency of the most common injuries among amateur runners. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 100 adults living in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, randomly selected (38 women and 62 men). The method of diagnostic survey was used in the work. The research tool was an original questionnaire examining the occurrence, types and locations of injuries in recreational runners. Results. A statistically significant correlation was found between the body weight of an amateur runner and the frequency of injury (p < 0.001). At the same time, there was a significant relationship between the warm-up performed before training and the occurrence of injury (p < 0.001). Noticeable effects of physiotherapy were demonstrated (p = 0.016). It was concluded that the preventive use of physiotherapy influenced (p = 0.038) the prevention of recurrent injuries. Conclusions. Excessive body weight in respondents was associated with a higher risk of injury compared to people with appropriate body weight in the study group. The use of physiotherapy after an injury resulted in a much faster return to physical activity compared to people from the group without physiotherapy.