Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 365-370
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Recreational Long-Distance Runners towards Using Running Shoes: A Survey
Gayatri Suresh1, Namrata Sidhaye-Bhadbhade2
1Intern, 2Assistant Professor, Dept of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy,
DES Brijlal Jindal College of Physiotherapy, Fergusson College Campus, Shivajinagar, Pune – 411004
Corresponding Author: Namrata Sidhaye
ABSTRACT
Background: Use of the shoe has evolved greatly over the years. From being a necessity for protecting the feet, to being a functional necessity to meet the demands of various sports, its functions have varied over the years. In the recent years sports shoes have undergone a lot of technical changes to suit the sport. Running shoes have flexible characteristics and can be made to suit the runner. While the correct shoes can play a vital role in a runner’s performance, improper running shoes have been known to cause various injuries.
Aim: To find the knowledge, attitude and practice of recreational long-distance runners towards using running shoes.
Method: Information was gathered using a Questionnaire which was administered to 109 long distance recreational runners. Collected data was presented in descriptive form.
Results: 74% of runners had fair to good knowledge about running shoes. 72% of the runners had a positive attitude for purchasing the suitable shoes but only 40% were able to implement it fairly in the practice.
Conclusion: Runners have positive attitude towards buying the shoes but they have scored averagely in domains of Knowledge and Practice. Hence, they should be made aware of their foot type, types of shoes, shoe selection and replacement criteria to help prevent shoe related running injuries and to improve their performance.
Key words: Runners, Running shoes, Marathons, Running Injuries, Questionnaire