Etiologic factors associated with selected running injuries

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Running Injury Research

Background:

• Running injuries like iliotibial band friction syndrome, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis are prevalent in both competitive and recreational runners.
• Understanding the biomechanical, anthropometric, and training factors contributing to these injuries is crucial for prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between specific biomechanical, anthropometric, and training variables and the occurrence of iliotibial band friction syndrome, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis in runners.
• To identify key discriminators that differentiate injured runners from a non-injured control group.

Main Methods:

• Discriminant function analysis was employed to analyze biomechanical data.
• Anthropometric and training data were analyzed using statistical methods.
• Runners were categorized into four groups: control (N=19), iliotibial band syndrome (N=13), shin splints (N=17), and plantar fasciitis (N=15).

Main Results:

• Maximum pronation velocity and maximum pronation were significant discriminators between the control and shin splint groups (P < 0.05).
• Plantar flexion range of motion significantly differentiated the control and plantar fasciitis groups (P < 0.05).
• Trends indicated greater pronation, higher arches, and leg length discrepancies in injured runners, alongside increased hill running and running on crowned roads in specific injury groups.

Conclusions:

• Specific biomechanical variables, including pronation characteristics and range of motion, are associated with shin splints and plantar fasciitis.
• Anthropometric and training factors may also play a role, though further research is needed to confirm non-significant trends.
• These findings contribute to a better understanding of the multifactorial nature of running injuries.