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Researchers investigating the determinants of marathon performance have previously focused on pre-race (e.g. training) or in-race (e.g. pacing) variables, but not both. This cross-sectional study, therefore, sought to elucidate the relationship between training behaviours, in-race pacing and anthropometric variables with eventual marathon finish time. A self-report questionnaire collecting athletes' anthropometrics, training behaviours and recent race times was administered to 260 participants in the 2018 Dublin Marathon. Participants' race numbers were cross referenced with in-race split times and finish times to determine their race performance. The accuracy or pragmatism of participants' target finish time was calculated using a 'predicted' time based on their training and previous race performances and subtracting this value from their eventual finish time. Multiple regression analysis examined the influence of age, body mass index (BMI), marathon experience, training history, target finish time pragmatism and in-race pace variance on marathon performance. The model was statistically significant and predicted marathon finish time F(7,252) = 217.761, p < 0.0005, adj. R2 = 0.858. Marathon experience (p = 0.01, Beta = 0.06), a pragmatic target finish time (p < 0.0005, Beta = -0.36), training history (p < 0.0005, Beta = 0.76) and in-race pace variance (p < 0.0005, Beta = 0.26) made statistically significant contributions to the overall regression model. A marathoners' training history accounts for the greatest variance in their overall performance, followed by the pragmatism of their target finish time and their in-race pace variance. This study provides the first indication of the combined relative importance of anthropometric, training and pacing variables to marathon performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Marathoners rely on expert-opinion and the anecdotal advice of their peers when devising their training plans for an upcoming race. The accumulation of results from multiple scientific studies has the potential to clarify the precise training requirements for the marathon. The purpose of the present study was to perform a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of available literature to determine if a dose-response relationship exists between a series of training behaviours and marathon performance.Design: Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.Methods: A systematic search of multiple literature sources was undertaken to identify observational and interventional studies of elite and recreational marathon (42.2km) runners.Results: Eighty-five studies which included 137 cohorts of runners (25% female) were included in the meta-regression, with average weekly running distance, number of weekly runs, maximum running distance completed in a single week, number of runs ≥32km completed in the pre-marathon training block, average running pace during training, distance of the longest run and hours of running per week used as covariates. Separately conducted univariate random effects meta-regression models identified a negative statistical association between each of the above listed training behaviours and marathon performance (R2 0.38-0.81, p<0.001), whereby increases in a given training parameter coincided with faster marathon finish times. Meta-analysis revealed the rate of non-finishers in the marathon was 7.27% (95% CI 6.09%-8.65%).Conclusions: These data can be used by athletes and coaches to inform the development of marathon training regimes that are specific to a given target finish time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines recommend applying theory within complex interventions to explain how behaviour change occurs. Guidelines endorse self-management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and osteoarthritis (OA), but evidence for its effectiveness is weak. Objective This literature review aimed to determine the use of behaviour change theory and techniques within randomised controlled trials of group-based self-management programmes for chronic musculoskeletal pain, specifically CLBP and OA. Methods A two-phase search strategy of electronic databases was used to identify systematic reviews and studies relevant to this area. Articles were coded for their use of behaviour change theory, and the number of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) was identified using a 93-item taxonomy, Taxonomy (v1). Results 25 articles of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which only three reported having based their intervention on theory, and all used Social Cognitive Theory. A total of 33 BCTs were coded across all articles with the most commonly identified techniques being ‘ instruction on how to perform the behaviour ’, ‘ demonstration of the behaviour ’, ‘ behavioural practice ’, ‘ credible source ’, ‘ graded tasks ’ and ‘ body changes ’. Conclusion Results demonstrate that theoretically driven research within group based self-management programmes for chronic musculoskeletal pain is lacking, or is poorly reported. Future research that follows recommended guidelines regarding the use of theory in study design and reporting is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: By adaptation of the face-to-face physiotherapist-training program previously used in the Self-management of Osteoarthritis and Low back pain through Activity and Skills (SOLAS) feasibility trial, an asynchronous, interactive, Web-based, e-learning training program (E-SOLAS) underpinned by behavior and learning theories was developed.Objective: This study investigated the effect of the E-SOLAS training program on relevant outcomes of effective training and implementation.Methods: Thirteen physiotherapists from across Ireland were trained via E-SOLAS by using mixed methods, and seven physiotherapists progressed to implementation of the 6-week group-based SOLAS intervention. The effectiveness of E-SOLAS was evaluated using the Kirkpatrick model at the levels of reaction (physiotherapist engagement and satisfaction with E-SOLAS training methods and content), learning (pre- to posttraining changes in physiotherapists' confidence and knowledge in delivering SOLAS content and self-determination theory-based communication strategies, administered via a SurveyMonkey questionnaire), and behavior (fidelity to delivery of SOLAS content using physiotherapist-completed weekly checklists). During implementation, five physiotherapists audio recorded delivery of one class, and the communication between physiotherapists and clients was assessed using the Health Care Climate Questionnaire (HCCQ), the Controlling Coach Behaviour Scale (CCBS), and an intervention-specific measure (ISM; 7-point Likert scale). A range of implementation outcomes were evaluated during training and delivery (ie, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, and sustainability of E-SOLAS) using a posttraining feedback questionnaire and individual semistructured telephone interviews.Results: With regard to their reaction, physiotherapists (n=13) were very satisfied with E-SOLAS posttraining (median 5.0; interquartile range 1.0; min-max 4.0-5.0) and completed training within 3-4 weeks. With regard to learning, there were significant increases in physiotherapists' confidence and knowledge in delivery of all SOLAS intervention components (P<.05). Physiotherapists' confidence in 7 of 10 self-determination theory-based communication strategies increased (P<.05), whereas physiotherapists' knowledge of self-determination theory-based strategies remained high posttraining (P>.05). In terms of behavior, physiotherapists delivered SOLAS in a needs supportive manner (HCCQ: median 5.2, interquartile range 1.3, min-max 3.7-5.8; CCBS: median 6.6, interquartile range 1.0, min-max 5.6-7.0; ISM: median 4.5, interquartile range 1.2, min-max 2.8-4.8). Fidelity scores were high for SOLAS content delivery (total %mean fidelity score 93.5%; SD 4.9%). The posttraining questionnaire and postdelivery qualitative interviews showed that physiotherapists found E-SOLAS acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and sustainable within primary care services to support the implementation of the SOLAS intervention.Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of an e-learning program to train physiotherapists to deliver a group-based self-management complex intervention in primary care settings, which is equivalent to face-to-face training outcomes and would support inclusion of physiotherapists in a definitive trial of SOLAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]