SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC, TRAINING, AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTOR PROFILE OF STREET RUNNERS IN IMPERATRIZ, BRAZIL

Abstract

This cross-sectional, descriptive study aimed to describe the sociodemographic profile, training patterns, and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among street runners in Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil, and to investigate the association between training characteristics and injury occurrence. A total of 100 runners were evaluated using an electronic questionnaire between March and April 2026, with bivariate analysis and Holm-Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The sample was predominantly female (68.0%), young, and new to the sport (53.0%), with an injury prevalence of 59.0% (95%CI: 49.2–68.1%). Longer training experience was associated with injury occurrence (r = 0.35; adjusted p = 0.014). Complementary analyses revealed associations between BMI and body satisfaction, family income and financial investment in the sport, and sex and average pace, with no association between BMI and injury. Lack of appropriate venues and inadequate road conditions were the main perceived barriers. Runners in Imperatriz-MA are mostly beginners, and the transition between the first and second year of practice represents a critical period for injury development, highlighting the need for infrastructure and prevention policies targeted at this group.