EFFECTS OF ROAD RUNNING ON CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH IN RUNNERS IN IMPERATRIZ-MA, BRAZIL: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

Abstract

This cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study, with a mixed quantitative-qualitative approach, aims to describe the role of running in the treatment of self-reported chronic health conditions and its relationship with mental health. The sample comprised 100 runners; data were collected through an electronic questionnaire between March and April 2026, complemented by a qualitative component with seven accounts from the subgroup with comorbidities. Of the total sample, 49.0% reported at least one chronic condition, with anxiety being the most prevalent (28.0%), and 61.0% rated running as very or extremely essential to the treatment of their condition. Self-reported sleep improvement was observed in 81.0% of the sample, and a positive impact on mental well-being was reported by 91.0%, with a greater benefit among runners whose initial motivation included the pursuit of mental health. The qualitative accounts corroborate these figures. It is concluded that road running constitutes a relevant adjuvant strategy in the management of chronic conditions and in the promotion of mental health among amateur runners, and should be interpreted as complementary to, rather than a substitute for, formal treatment.