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The socio‐economic impact of running‐related injuries: A large prospective cohort study
Author(s) -
Sleeswijk Visser Tjerk S. O.,
Middelkoop Marienke,
Fokkema Tryntsje,
Vos RobertJan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.14016
Subject(s) - medicine , absenteeism , physical therapy , recreation , activities of daily living , prospective cohort study , cohort study , occupational safety and health , injury prevention , poison control , demography , emergency medicine , surgery , psychology , social psychology , pathology , sociology , political science , law
Objectives To evaluate the impact of running‐related injuries (RRIs) on activities of daily living (ADL), work, healthcare utilization, and estimated costs. Design Prospective cohort study with data from a randomized controlled trial. Methods Adult recreational runners who registered for a running event (distances 5 to 42 km) were included in this study. Minimum follow‐up duration was 3 months (preparation, event participation, and post‐race period). Injuries were registered using a standardized definition. Primary outcome measure was a standardized 5‐item survey on limitations in ADL. The survey data were categorized to the number of injured runners with complete/moderate/no limitations. This outcome was expressed as the percentage of injured runners with any limitation (complete or moderate limitations amalgamated). Secondary outcomes were work absenteeism, the number of healthcare visits per injured runner, and estimated direct medical and indirect costs per participant and per RRI. Results 1929 runners (mean [SD] age 41 [12] years, 53% men) were included in this study and 883 runners (46%) sustained a RRI during the course of the study. Injured runners reported the highest limitations (% with any limitation) of RRIs during the first week of injury on sports and leisure activities (70%) and transportation activities (23%). 39% of the injured runners visited a healthcare professional. Work absenteeism due to the RRI was reported in 5% of the injured runners. The total mean estimated costs were €74 per RRI and €35 per participant. Conclusions Injured runners are mainly limited in their transportation activities and during sports and leisure. While the estimated costs of RRIs are not high when expressed per participant, the absolute costs may be substantial due to the popularity of running.