DISTANCE RUNNERS IN APPALACHIA: A SURVEY OF INJURIES, TRAINING, AND DIETARY HABITS

Authors

Justine Falcone MD, Sovah HealthFollow
Katherine Langley MD, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare SystemFollow
Brenden Balcik MD, West Virginia UniversityFollow
Rosanna Sikora MD, West Virginia UniversityFollow
Melinda Sharon MPH, Marshall UniversityFollow
Aaron Monseau MD, West Virginia UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-24-2022

College/Unit

School of Medicine

Department/Program/Center

Emergency Medicine

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose was to examine characteristics of an Appalachian population of runners. The primary aim was to examine risk factors for running related injury (RRI), including mileage per week, experience, and use of applications/training programs. A second aim was to characterize dietary habits among runners. Methods: This study was conducted in September 2015 in North Central Appalachian West Virginia. The Morgantown Marathon consists of three races offered every September: an 8K, half marathon, and full marathon. Surveys were offered to runners ages 18 and older during packet pick-up. For this survey study, questions consisted of multiple choice and open-ended responses, including demographics, injury history, nutrition habits, and training questions. Results: In September 2015, 444 runners completed the survey. Runners with moderate experience (2-5 years) and running moderate weekly mileage (21-30 miles) had higher RRI. Reported RRI was similar for runners using an app, online program, or local or online coaching (20-29%). In our study, most runners reported following a balanced diet or eating “whatever”. Runners following a vegan diet reported the lowest RRI (0%) while those following gluten free diets reported the highest (45%). Conclusions: Increasing weekly running mileage and use of a training program did not appear to be associated with RRI. Most runners followed a balanced diet or eating “whatever,” while those following a vegan diet appeared to have lower reported RRI. Additional larger studies are needed to better characterize these findings and to identify trends in this population.

Digital Commons Citation

Falcone, Justine MD; Langley, Katherine MD; Balcik, Brenden MD; Sikora, Rosanna MD; Sharon, Melinda MPH; and Monseau, Aaron MD, "DISTANCE RUNNERS IN APPALACHIA: A SURVEY OF INJURIES, TRAINING, AND DIETARY HABITS" (2022). Faculty & Staff Scholarship. 3080.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/faculty_publications/3080

Comments

https://www.doi.org/10.33915/fac.3080