Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025
Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
Published on: July 17, 2020
Are alterations in running biomechanics associated with running injuries? A systematic review with meta-analysis
Alexandre Dias Lopes1, Angelie Mascarinas2, Luiz Hespanhol3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
Background:
No systematic review has investigated the main biomechanical variables as predictors of running-related injuries.
Objective:
To investigate the main biomechanical variables associated with running-related injuries.
Methods:
Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched from inception until 1 November 2021. Each study included must have investigated the association of at least one biomechanical variable (kinetics, kinematics, electromyography, or pressure distribution) with running injuries. The meta-analysis was conducted, and a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index was used for methodological quality evaluation.
Results:
Across the 82 studies included, 5465 runners were investigated. The meta-analysis was conducted with 11 biomechanical variables from 51 articles (n=2395). The peak hip adduction angle was the sole biomechanical variable associated with running injury and was found to be higher in injured runners (0.57, 95% CI 0.21, 0.94) compared to uninjured runners. However, this result was highly influenced by two studies (out of five studies) conducted by the same group of authors.
Conclusion:
Clinicians, coaches, and runners should be aware that minimal evidence supports that alterations of running biomechanics are associated with running-related injuries. Heterogeneity in evaluation conditions and inconsistency in the naming and definitions of biomechanical variables make definitive conclusions challenging.
Systematic Review Registration Number:
PROSPERO, CRD42017068839.
