A comparison of recreational runners' and running coaches’ expectations of physiotherapy: a cross sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to characterise and compare expectations about physiotherapy of recreational runners and coaches, aged 18 years plus. Design: A cross-sectional design was used. Setting: Participants were recruited through sports clubs and social networks within the Glasgow area of Scotland. Participants: Recreational runners (109; 60 M, 48F, 1 Other) and athletic coaches (13; 9 M, 4F) were recruited. Main outcome measure: The Expectations About Athletic Trainer (EAAT) questionnaire was used to characterise expectations about physiotherapy. The EAAT has 66 questions summarised as 18 factors within three categories and reported on a 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) Likert scale. The association between expectations and sociodemographic, sport participation, injury history and physiotherapy history variables was assessed using ANCOVA models. Results: Data suggested that there was not a distinct difference in expectations between athletes and coaches and that genuineness (A = 6.10: 5.89–6.32, C = 6.10: 5.63–6.57) (mean:95%CI A = Athletes, C=Coaches), trustworthiness (A = 5.78: 5.59–6.00, C = 6.05: 5.70–6.40) and responsibility (A = 6.00: 5.83–6.17, C = 6.03: 5.69–6.39) were the highest and empathy (A = 3.54: 3.29–3.78, C = 3.18: 2.60–3.75) the lowest expectations. Previous physiotherapy with mental skills training had a significant positive influence on expectations. Generally, those at college/university level of sport had lower expectations. Conclusions: Key expectations of recreational runners and coaches about physiotherapy are highlighted with results suggesting no differences. Previous mental skills training (as part of physiotherapy) appeared to enhance expectations, suggesting this should be a key component of delivery. Adaptation of delivery of physiotherapy practice in college/university level of sport may be necessary to ensure relatively low expectations do not affect outcomes.