Running performance of male collegiate long-distance runners is associated with fundamental physical functions assessed by a Japanese national self-screening tool (KOJI AWARENESS)

Background The KOJI AWARENESS (KA) test is a self-administered screening tool developed in Japan that emphasizes body awareness and functional literacy. Unlike conventional measures such as aerobic capacity or muscle strength, KA evaluates fundamental physical qualities including mobility, stability, strength, and balance and has been widely implemented in schools, companies, and sports programs under national initiatives. This study aimed to investigate whether preseason KA test scores are associated with subsequent race performance of collegiate long-distance runners participating in the All-Japan Ekiden Championships. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 105 male athletes were evaluated. The KA test was conducted once during the preseason, 6 months before the target relay championship (4 months before the analyzed 10,000-m race). Race time during a single 10,000-m race was analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses, with age, body mass index, and prior running-related injuries considered as candidate covariates. Results Moderate negative correlations of KA total scores (44.5 ± 4.7), Neck-Scapula-Upper Extremity (12.7 ± 1.7), and Lower Extremity (LE, 23.1 ± 2.9) subcomponent scores were observed with race times (29:37.7 ± 1:05.8 min: s, r = -0.375, -0.334, -0.386, respectively; p < 0.001). The preseason KA scores, particularly the LE score, were significantly associated with race performance in the multiple regression analyses. Conclusions The KA test captures fundamental aspects of physical function that are associated with running performance. As a culturally grounded, nationally implemented screening tool, KA may serve as a practical indicator of preseason physical function and may have potential utility for athlete monitoring.