STREET RUNNERS’ PERCEPTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY IN THE PREVENTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the perception of street runners from the municipality of Gurupi, Tocantins, Brazil, regarding the importance of physical therapy in the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. This was a field study with a quantitative approach, cross-sectional design, and descriptive-exploratory nature, involving 102 runners from organized running groups. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, sports practice characteristics, injury history, use of physical therapy resources, and perceptions regarding preventive physical therapy. The results showed a predominance of female participants (64.7%), individuals aged between 26 and 35 years (40.0%), and a high level of education. Additionally, 51.0% of the participants reported a history of injury or persistent pain within the previous 12 months, with the shin (29.1%) and anterior knee (21.8%) being the most affected regions. Furthermore, 99.0% of the runners believed that physical therapy helps prevent injuries, 98.0% considered that it reduces the risk of injuries, and 93.1% associated it with improved sports performance. It is concluded that runners have a highly positive perception of preventive physical therapy, recognizing its importance for safe running practice and for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.