An Introduction to Understanding Your Runner
Original Editor - Mariam Hashem
Top Contributors - Mariam Hashem, Kim Jackson, Ewa Jaraczewska, Lucinda hampton, Tarina van der Stockt and Olajumoke Ogunleye
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Many people nowadays consider running as a sport. In the physiotherapy practise, we get to see a range of injuries induced by running. Most of the published evidence has mainly focused on assessing and treating the physical aspects of running. Physical injuries can be influenced by psychological factors
Personality of the runner[edit | edit source]
Personality is defined as the sum of characteristics that make a person unique[1]
Studies show that the cognitive anxiety, arousal, self-confidence, motivation and perception of the physical state were the most representative variables of marathon runners psychological state[2]
Compared to the general population, middle-aged runners were more intelligent, imaginative, reserved, self-sufficient, sober, shy, and forthright[3]
In addition, marathon runners show higher levels of hardy personality (i.e., a group of characteristics related to personal perception of control, commitment and challenges) than the general population [4]
Levels of self-confidence and anxiety varied between different types of runners[4]. Long-distance runners showed increased pain tolerance [5]
Menstrual irregularity has been experienced by ~40% of ultra-marathon runners during periods of intensive training due to emotional stresses of competitive ultra-marathon running, and menstrual patterns normalised once these stresses were removed[6]. Along with a range of food disorders [4].
One of the few longitudinal studies on marathon runners observed that most runners scored above the 85th percentile on boldness, warmth, conformity, sensitivity, dominance, and high drive with tension, and above the 93rd percentile for self-discipline and emotional stability[7]
The performance level is another factor, recreational runners vs marathon runners. . Compared to cross-country skiers, marathon runners had similar scores on reserved, imaginative, self-sufficient, and independence; however, they appeared more intelligent and tough-minded[8]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Weinberg (Weinberg, Robert Stephen), Gould D. Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology: Welcome to Sport and Exercise Psychology; Chapter 2. Personality a Sport. Human Kinetics; 2011.
- ↑ Zabala E.L., Rueda M.C.P.L., De La Llave Rodríguez A.L. Characteristics of the psychological state of popular marathon runners. Rev. Psicol. Deporte. 2009;18:151–163.
- ↑ Hartung GH, Farge EJ. Personality and physiological traits in middle-aged runners and joggers. Journal of Gerontology. 1977 Sep 1;32(5):541-8.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Nikolaidis PT, Rosemann T, Knechtle B. A brief review of personality in marathon runners: the role of sex, age and performance level. Sports. 2018 Sep;6(3):99.
- ↑ Freund W, Weber F, Billich C, Birklein F, Breimhorst M, Schuetz UH. Ultra‐M arathon R unners A re D ifferent: I nvestigations into P ain T olerance and P ersonality T raits of P articipants of the TransEurope FootRace 2009. Pain practice. 2013 Sep;13(7):524-32.
- ↑ van Gend TD. Menstrual patterns in ultramarathon runners. South African Medical Journal. 1987 Dec 1;72(11):788-93.
- ↑ Nudel DB, Hassett I, Gurian A, Diamant S, Weinhouse E, Gootman N. Young long distance runners: Physiological and psychological characteristics. Clinical pediatrics. 1989 Nov;28(11):500-5.
- ↑ Jerome W.C., Valliant P.M. Comparison of personalities between marathon runners and cross-country skiers. Percept. Mot. Skills. 1983;56:35–38. doi: 10.2466/pms.1983.56.1.35.
