A Multifactorial Approach to Overuse Running Injuries: A 1-Year Prospective Study

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Running Science

Background:

• Running injuries are complex and necessitate a multifactorial investigation approach.
• Understanding contributing factors is key for effective injury prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify biomechanical, training, and historical factors associated with running injuries.
• To compare injured runners with uninjured controls, considering sex-specific differences.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 76 runners over 1 year.
• Data collected included demographics, training history, previous injuries, and center-of-mass accelerations.
• Weekly training diaries and injury monitoring were conducted.

Main Results:

• Injured male runners were heavier and ran greater weekly distances than uninjured males.
• Injured female runners were heavier, had longer flight times, lower step frequencies, and more prior injuries.
• A significant percentage of injured runners increased weekly distance by over 30% in the 4 weeks preceding injury.

Conclusions:

• Male running injuries linked to higher body mass, greater mileage, and fatigue-related biomechanical changes.
• Female running injuries associated with higher body mass, prior injuries, altered gait mechanics, and increased speed training.
• Sudden increases in weekly running volume, particularly >30%, require careful monitoring for injury prevention.