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Interventions for preventing lower limb soft-tissue injuries in runners.
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. rsella@polyu.edu.hk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|November 1, 2001
Summary
Modifying training schedules may help prevent running injuries, but more research is needed on stretching exercises and knee braces for lower limb soft-tissue injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Overuse musculoskeletal injuries are common in runners.
- Prevention strategies include stretching, training modification, braces, and insoles.
- No systematic review previously analyzed the effectiveness of these interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on preventing lower limb soft-tissue running injuries.
- To assess the efficacy of various interventions in reducing running-related injuries.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.
- Electronic database search up to May 2000.
- Data extraction and analysis using fixed effects model, reporting relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
Main Results:
- Effectiveness of stretching exercises and insoles/footwear modification remains unknown.
- Reducing running distance, frequency, and duration may prevent lower extremity soft tissue injuries.
- Knee braces with patellar support may prevent anterior knee pain.
Conclusions:
- Modification of training schedules shows some evidence of effectiveness.
- Insufficient evidence exists for stretching exercises in preventing major lower limb soft-tissue injuries.
- Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of knee braces, clarify the role of stretching, and optimize training loads.