Definition of running-related injury in recreational runners: achieving consensus among runners using the e-Delphi Method

Definitions of running-related injuries (RRI) in the literature are often determined by experts rather than by runners themselves. Incorporating the perspective of runners can provide valuable insights, particularly in the context of self-reported injury surveillance. This study aimed to develop a consensus definition of RRI by integrating the perspectives of recreational runners, acknowledging them as experts in their own injury experiences. An e-Delphi method was employed to gather and refine the opinions of recreational runners. In the first two rounds, participants selected and rated terms relevant to the definition off RRI. The third and final round focused on achieving consensus by asking participants to rate their level of agreement with a definition developed by the authors based on their own responses in the previous two rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. Out of 163 respondents, 91 (55.8%) completed the first questionnaire and were included in the study. Of these, 67 (73.6%) completed the second questionnaire and 60 (65.9%) participated in the final validation round. A consensual definition was reached with 90% agreement: "Running-related pain, of musculotendinous and/or osteoarticular origin, localized to the lower limbs or pelvis and resulting in restriction (in speed, volume, time, distance) or cessation of running (training, competition) lasting at least 5 days or three sessions." This consensual definition of RRI, developed from the perspectives of recreational runners, specifically addresses a gap in the literature regarding their experiential understanding of injury. It may be appropriate for self-report contexts in this population, offering a practical framework for future research and for surveillance of self-reported running-related injuries.