Incidence and biomechanical risk factors for running-related injuries: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Injuries among runners is significant, yet the contributing risk factors remain elusive. The objective of this study was to examined the incidence and biomechanical elements associated with running-related injuries.

METHODS

A 24-week prospective study was carried out. Injury incidence was calculated per 1000 h of running, with participants completing bi-monthly online questionnaires. Biomechanical risk factors, encompassing plantar pressure, muscle strength of hip and knee muscles, core stability, dorsiflexion, passive hip internal rotation, lower extremity length, Q-angle, and shank-forefoot alignment, were assessed at baseline. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between injury incidence and these biomechanical risk factors.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight runners participated in the study. Injury incidence was 8.1 per 1000 h of running, with 41 runners experiencing musculoskeletal injuries during the follow-up period. The knee emerged as the most commonly affected joint, constituting 28.4 % of injuries. The Odds Ratio for hip external rotator muscle strength was .84 (95 % Confidence Interval = .71 - .99).

CONCLUSION

Greater force during hip external rotation was identified as a protective factor against running injuries. These findings bear significance for the formulation and implementation of preventive strategies.