In our fight against sedentary lifestyle we promote physical activities and participation in sports. One of those sports is running .. an activity that is accessible, inexpensive, and that can be done when and where one likes. Many running events and running programs for novice runners are available that stimulate people to start running. All good on the short term, but a large number of runners discontinue after participating in a running program. Hence, this study in which we collaborated, investigated the main reasons for running cessation and characteristics associated with discontinuation.
Methods
The study prospective cohort study included 774 participants of Start to Run, a 6-week running program for novice runners. Before the start of the program, participants completed a baseline questionnaire to collect information on demographics, physical activity and perceived health. A 26-weeks follow-up questionnaire was used to obtain information on the continuation of running (yes/no) and main reasons for discontinuation. To determine predictors for discontinuation of running, multivariable logistic regression was performed.
Results
Within 26 weeks after the start of the 6-week running program, 29.5% of the novice runners (n = 225) had stopped running. The main reason for discontinuation was a running-related injury (n = 108, 48%). Being female (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.13–2.68), being unsure about the continuation of running after the program (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.31–3.24) and (almost) no alcohol use (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.11–2.37) were associated with a higher chance of discontinuation of running. Previous running experience less than one year previously (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26–0.83) and a higher score on the RAND-36 subscale physical functioning (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96–0.99) were associated with a lower chance of discontinuation.
In brief
This study showed that about one-third of the novice runners participating in a running program stopped running within six months. To decrease the discontinuation of running extra attention should be paid to injury prevention, both during running programs and in future studies evaluating the effects of preventive measures for runners. Furthermore, precautions should be taken to prevent discontinuation of running among women with low perceived physical functioning and without prior running experience.
Practical implications
Since the discontinuation among novice runners is high, measures are required to prevent discontinuation and dropout from running.
Because running-related injuries are the most important reason to discontinue running, injury prevention among novice runners requires attention.
Athletic trainers should be aware that especially women with low perceived physical functioning and without prior running experience are at increased risk to discontinue running.
Reference
Fokkema, T., et al. (2019). "Reasons and predictors of discontinuation of running after a running program for novice runners." Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 22(1): 106-111.