The socio-economic impact of running-related injuries: A large prospective cohort study

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 euro74 per RRI and euro35 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.