Can we explain running-related injury preventive behavior? A path analysis.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Behavioral and social science theories are increasingly recognized for their role in sports injury prevention.
• Understanding the psychological determinants of preventive behaviors is crucial for effective intervention design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Theory of Planned Behavior's utility in explaining running-related injury preventive behaviors.
• To identify key psychological determinants influencing runners' adoption of injury prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A six-month prospective cohort study involving 232 trail runners, utilizing data from a randomized controlled trial.
• Assessment of preventive behaviors and their determinants (intention, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control) using Likert scales at baseline, two, and six months.
• Bayesian path analysis with mixed models and mediation analysis to examine relationships between constructs.

Main Results:

• A 1-point increase in intention, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control predicted a 54% increase in preventive behavior.
• The Theory of Planned Behavior explained 49% of the variance in running-related injury preventive behavior.
• Intention and perceived behavioral control directly predicted behavior, while attitude's effect was mediated by intention and perceived behavioral control.

Conclusions:

• The Theory of Planned Behavior demonstrates significant potential, explaining approximately half the variance in running injury preventive behavior and intention.
• This theory offers a valuable framework for developing, researching, and implementing targeted running injury prevention programs.