Is there any difference between "amateur" and "recreational" runners? A latent class analysis

Abstract Aims: to identify and describe the clustering of characteristics related to running amongst Brazilian runners using latent class analysis and to verify if there is a profile associated with better performance. Material and Methods: a sample of 1149 Brazilian runners answered an online questionnaire, that provided information about biological (sex, age, height, weight), training (running pace, frequency and volume/week, motivation), and socioeconomic factors, as well as a multidimensional questionnaire of fear of failure. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify subgroups of Brazilian runners, based on BMI, training volume and frequency/week, motivation, socioeconomic factors, and the fear of failure. Further, a χ2 test was computed to verify statistical differences in the frequency of the descriptive variables between classes. Finally, binary logistic regression analysis estimated factors associated with running performance, with running pace as the dependent variable. Results: It was possible to identify two different classes among Brazilian runners, which were called "amateur runners" and "recreational runners". Variables that highlighted classes' differences were: volume and frequency training/week, motivation for the practice, and BMI. Regarding the running performance, logistic regression analysis showed that men (OR=5.39; 95%CI=4.00-7.25), young runners (OR=0.38; 95%CI=0.28-0.51), and "amateur runners" (OR=4.19; 95%CI=2.95-5.94) were more prone to have higher performance. Conclusion: Two distinct classes were found among Brazilian runners that were linked to their performance, highlighting that even among non-professional runners, differences can be observed regarding their classification. Hence, future studies should consider using these classes to properly stratify or identify non-professional runners.

A motivação intrínseca e o estado mental Flow em corredores de rua / Motivación Intrínseca y el Estado Mental Flow em Corredores / Intrinsic motivation and the state mental Flow in street runners

Participaram do estudo qualitativo, dez praticantes de corrida de rua. A metodologia utilizada foi a análise de conteúdo. A maioria dos praticantes iniciou a atividade extrinsecamente motivada, mas a motivação intrínseca mostrou-se determinante na permanência por muitos anos. Identificamos relações entre os temas levantados na análise e os elementos que caracterizam o estado mental flow. Esses elementos podem ser importantes direcionadores na estruturação de atividades físicas, mantendo o indivíduo intrinsecamente motivado, implicando maior assiduidade, empenho, tempo de permanência e satisfação.

This article is a result of the Masters Dissertation held in the University of Physical Education, UNICAMP. Participated in the qualitative study, ten practitioners of running. The methodology used was the analysis of content. Most practitioners began activity motivated by outer circumstances, but the intrinsic motivation showed crucial in residence for many years. Relations have been identified among the topics raised in the analysis and the elements that characterize the state mental flow. These elements can be important setters in the structuring of physical activities, keeping theindividual intrinsically motivated, resulting in greater attendance, commitment, time and satisfaction.

Este artículo es resultado de tesis de máster celebrada en Universidad de Educación Física de UNICAMP. Participó del estudio cualitativo, diez profesionales de raza en calles. La metodología utilizada fue análisis de contenido. La mayoría de los profesionales comenzó la práctica por motivación exterior, pero la motivación intrínseca mostrou-se crucial en la práctica por años. Las relaciones se han identificado algunos temas planteados en el análisis y elementos que caracterizan el estado mental flow. Estos elementos pueden ser importantes en estructuración de actividades físicas, mantenimiento de la persona motivada, que llevaría a mayor participación, compromiso, tiempo de práctica y satisfacción.