The Relation Between Running Patterns and Overuse Injuries in Runners

Running patterns are thought to have a major influence on the development of Running Related Injuries (RRI), however to studies have documented such relationship. Thus, the aim of the study is to investigate the association between running patterns and overuse injuries in runners.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Overuse Injuries

Detailed Description

Running patterns are thought to have a major influence on the development of Running Related Injuries (RRI).

Worldwide, running is a sport practiced by many individuals to improve cardio-respiratory function, health and well-being. Although running positively contributes to health, there is also a risk of running related injuries (RRI). At best, the consequence of RRI´s is a periodic absence from physical activity, with the athlete returning to sport within weeks. In the worst case, the injury is a chronic painful condition, causing a sedentary lifestyle without physical activity. This is undesirable since physical inactivity increases the risk of lifestyle diseases and death.

In Denmark it is estimated that 4.500 deaths each year can be attributed directly to inactivity. Furthermore, inactivity leads to reduced quality of life compared to active persons. To avoid people getting a sedentary lifestyle prevention of RRI are necessary.

To define a prevention strategy, one must have knowledge about risk factors and causation. Many risk factors have been proposed. Among these, running patterns and foot type are thought to play a major role in the development of RRI. However, very few firm conclusions can be made based on the existing literature, often because of methodical problems. Consequently, it is suggested to design large scale prospective studies controlling for multiple variables. Furthermore, studies should differentiate between novice, elite and extreme runners. Thus, the study design in this project will take these suggestions into account.

The aim of the study is to investigate the association between running patterns and overuse injuries in runners.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 940

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Denmark
  • Holstebro, Denmark, 7500
    • VIA UC
  • Northern Jutland
    • Aalborg, Northern Jutland, Denmark, 9000
      • Northern Orthopaedic Division, Aalborg University Hospital

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 65 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Beginners: n = 1000. By means of the Danish Personal Register adult citizens (age 18-65 years) from Aarhus Municipality are identified, contacted by phone, and invited to participate in the study. A question on running experience in the past is used to assess the novelty to running. 500 beginners with previous running experience and 500 beginners without previous running experience (former runners) will be included in the study. It is estimated that 11000 persons have to be contracted to include 1000 individuals. Healthy persons who have not sustained an injury in the lower extremity in the last 3 months before inclusion and who have not been running for the last 12 months, are eligible for the study. Participants are excluded if there are absolute contraindications for vigorous physical activities according to the ACSM, or in case of unwillingness to keep a training log / wear a heart rate belt during training.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• between 18 and 65 years old
• has a GPS-watch that can measure training data (Garmin Forerunner 205,305 or 405)
• has registered their training (if they have run) for a period of at least three months before the inclusion in the trial
• has an e-mail address

Exclusion Criteria:

• does not wish to keep a training diary
• has not registered training data in the follow-up period
• has had an injury in the leg within the last three months before baseline
• active with another tough sports, cf. American College of Sports Medicine
• psychic condition that does not allow participation
• cannot read or understand Danish

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Active runners; Observational follow-up study on 39 runners

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Injury defined as any musculoskeletal complaint of the lower extremity or back causing a restriction of running for at least 1 week.	a two-week period before the injury arises

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Northern Orthopaedic Division, Denmark
• Collaborators: University of Aarhus; Bispebjerg Hospital; Foot and Ankle Research Northern Denmark
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Sten Rasmussen, M.D., DrMSc, Orthopaedic Division, North Denmark Region, Aalborg Hospital - Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: June 1, 2010
• Primary Completion (Actual): August 1, 2014
• Study Completion (Actual): August 1, 2014

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 4, 2010
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 4, 2010
• First Posted (Estimate): February 5, 2010

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): April 10, 2015
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 9, 2015
• Last Verified: April 1, 2015

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Running, overuse injury, limits humans
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Sprains and Strains; Wounds and Injuries; Cumulative Trauma Disorders
• Other Study ID Numbers: M-20110114