Female recreational runners’ perspectives of running-related injury risk and management: A qualitative exploration

Introduction: Recreational running enhances both mental and physical health. However, the high incidence of running related injury (RRI) is a key barrier to participation. Previous research has attempted to establish the risk factors for RRI, with the most well-established being previous injury and training errors. However, previous reductionist approaches for mitigating RRI risk factors have been largely unsuccessful, with interventions primarily focusing on isolated factors and not considering runners’ perceptions and experiences. Methods: We used an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework, qualitative data collection via focus groups, and reflexive thematic analysis to develop an understanding of the perceptions and experiences of female recreational runners in relation to RRI. Eleven female recreational runners were recruited across three focus groups to investigate participants’ perspectives and experiences relating to RRI risk, prevention, management, and health seeking behaviours. Each focus group was analysed using a six-phase reflexive thematic analysis approach to identify underlying themes. Results: Five interconnected themes (‘The Run’, ‘The Runner’, ‘The Injury’, ‘The Networks’, and ‘The Gear’) were identified as having an influence on whether a runner can remain injury-free, and the management of RRI. Analysis of runners’ perspectives and experiences cumulated in the development of the Perceptual RRI Risk, Prevention, and Management Nexus model. Conclusion: The female recreational runners interviewed particularly relied on informed self-regulation with guidance of past advice and previous experiences to manage RRI and identify RRI risk. The runners perceived modifiable and non-modifiable RRI risk factors should be considered when developing future injury prevention programs for runners like them.