Framework for the etiology of running-related injuries
The authors reviewed the available evidence on the etiology of running injuries to create a framework that more adequately addresses the multifactorial nature of these conditions. They proposed 4 groups of causes that should be taken into consideration when studying, managing or attempting to design running injury prevention programs.
Running is a popular activity worldwide with multiple well-described health benefits. However, like any sporting activity, it entails the risk of musculoskeletal pathology which significantly limits participation.
While it is known that running injuries are multifactorial, little attention has been paid to how load and exposure doses interact with each individual factor. Thus, the authors aimed to conceptualize the etiology of running injuries in such a way to facilitate data analyses as well as hypotheses and prevention schemes design.
The authors included 4 parts in their framework: structure-specific load capacity before running, structure-specific cumulative load per running session, reduction in structure-specific capacity during running and exceeding the structure-specific capacity.
This framework adds to the existing knowledge base by highlighting the distinction between participation and cumulative structure-specific load.
In addition to the implications on hypothesis-making, data analysis and data collection procedures which have the potential to improve study quality, the improved understanding of running injuries brought by this framework allows for practical application when designing injury prevention schemes, ultimately increasing participation.
> From: Bertelsen et al., Scand J Med Sci Sports 27 (2017-11-22 09:47:25) 1170-1180(Epub ahead of print). All rights reserved to John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Click here for the online summary.
