Falls and Ankle Rolls in 227 Distance Trail Runners: Incidence and Contributing Factors Including Neurocognitive...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Trail running presents unique risks due to complex terrains, leading to falls and ankle injuries.
• Understanding injury mechanisms is crucial for prevention strategies in trail running events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of falls and ankle rolls in trail running races (20-50 km).
• To evaluate the predictive role of a multitask neurocognitive assessment on injurious mechanisms in trail runners.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study involving 227 trail runners across 9 races.
• Pre-race assessment of motor and cognitive performance.
• Post-race data collection on falls, ankle rolls, perceived exertion, and finish times.

Main Results:

• Incidence rates for falls and ankle rolls were 27.3% and 23.3%, respectively.
• Higher fall rates correlated with faster race times, less elevation gain, and more single-track terrain.
• Faster pace and greater perceived effort were significant predictors of falls and combined injuries.

Conclusions:

• Falls and ankle rolls are frequent in trail running, particularly in challenging races.
• While neurocognitive factors showed limited predictive value, their interaction with motor control may influence risk.
• Injury risk in trail running is multifactorial, with pace, terrain, and effort being key determinants.