A Systematic Review of the Factors Associated with Performance in Non-Elite Runners

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Running Performance Analysis

Background:

• Non-elite runners represent a significant population in distance running.
• Understanding factors influencing their performance is crucial for training and injury prevention.
• Current literature lacks standardized terminology and performance metrics for this group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with performance in non-elite runners.
• To define and categorize terms used to describe runners.
• To determine how running performance is operationalized in research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, etc.).
• Inclusion of original articles on non-elite runners (5km to ultramarathon).
• Quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool and findings summarized by race distance.

Main Results:

• 66 studies from 4151 identified articles were included.
• "Recreational" and "athletes" were common runner descriptors; finish time was the primary performance metric.
• Factors influencing performance decline included body composition (arm circumference, BMI), smoking, alcohol, and weather; training, physiological, and social variables positively correlated with performance.

Conclusions:

• A lack of standardized nomenclature and categorization criteria for runners hinders research clarity.
• The impact of performance predictors is distance-dependent, with physiological factors being less critical in longer races like marathons and ultramarathons.