Predicting Running Related Injuries In Novice Runners

The research studied 532 novice runners (226 men, 306 women) preparing for a recreational 4-mile (6.7-km) running event. They completed a baseline questionnaire and underwent an orthopaedic examination. They were followed during the 13 weeks of the training period. Running Related Injuries (RRI) is defined as any self-reported running-related musculoskeletal pain of the lower extremity or back, causing a restriction of running for at least 1 week.

Twenty-one percent of the novice runners had at least one RRI during follow-up. Male and female novice runners have different risk profiles

The model for male participants showed that body mass index (BMI), previous injury in the past year, and previous participation in sports without axial load were associated with RRI.

In female participants, only navicular drop remained a significant predictor for RRI. Type A behavior and range of motion (ROM) of the hip and ankle did not affect risk.

Source: Am J Sports Med February 2010 38:273–280;  doi:10.1177/0363546509347985