Work

Exploring the use of digital technology for injury prevention and self-management among recreational runners

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Explore digital technology use among recreational runners in Wales and assess attitudes toward a proposed digital intervention for running-related injury (RRI) prevention and self-management. DESIGN: Exploratory survey. SETTING: Online questionnaire, closed questions distributed to runners over a 7 week period. PARTICIPANTS: Recreational runners living in Wales (N = 232). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data analysed descriptively. Inferential analysis conducted via IBM SPSS v25. Pearson's Chi square and logistic regression applied to assess effects of age, sex, and weekly mileage on technology use. RESULTS: 97% of participants reported using digital technology to monitor training, primarily through running watches (45.1%) and smartphone apps (37.6%). Pearson's chi square indicated that younger (18-24 years) and less experienced runners (3 months-2 years) were more likely to use multiple apps. Runners felt these technologies did not offer realistic advice for RRI prevention or self-management. Most runners (84.5%) were interested in the proposed intervention. Runners wanted to see injury advice, exercises to improve running and a diagnostic feature within the proposed intervention. CONCLUSION: Digital technologies are widely used by recreational runners but are not perceived as useful for injury prevention/self-management. There is therefore an opportunity to develop tailored, evidence-based digital interventions for RRI prevention and self-management.

Source: Physical Therapy in Sport

DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2024.12.004

Authors: Kathleen Walker, Nicola Phillips, Liba Sheeran

Institution: Cardiff University

Language: English

Topic: Mobile Health and mHealth Applications

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900