CHARACTERISTICS OF TRAINING AND ASSOCIATION WITH INJURIES IN RECREATIONAL ROAD RUNNERS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Road running has been increasing dramatically in Brazil and worldwide for years. However, research into this practice has privileged high performance athletes while neglecting recreational runners, even though they constitute a significant majority of participants. Objectives: This study analyzed the associations between demographic and training characteristics of recreational runners in 5 km, 10 km and half marathon events, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: The study used data from 395 adult runners (229 men and 166 women, respectively aged 37.9 ± 9.5 and 37.1 ± 8.7 years, body weight 77 ± 10.5 and 61 ± 9 kg, and height 1.75 ± 0.07 m and 1.62 ± 0.07 m), who voluntarily and anonymously answered a questionnaire available on the Internet. Results: Plantar fasciitis, chondromalacia patellae (runner's knee) and tibial periostitis were the most frequently mentioned injuries in both sexes. Predisposing factors for injury (longer running time, average weekly mileage, maximum mileage and average speed in a workout) predominated in the male group, which had more types of injury and longer layoffs for this reason. Most respondents (63.3% men and 60.2% women) did not perform isolated stretching exercises; in those who did perform these exercises, and in those who stretched before and/or after training for races or competitions, there was no reduction in the incidence of injuries. Conclusion: Men showed a tendency towards greater intensity and volume of race training, in addition to longer running time, which are predisposing factors for injury. This may explain the greater number of different injuries reported in the male group, as well as the longer layoff periods. Level of evidence II; Prognostic studies - Investigating the effect of patient characteristics on disease outcome.

Rehabilitation protocol of „runner’s knee” (Iliotibial Band Syndrome - ITBS) – a case study

Introduction:„Runner’s knee”, in other words Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is the second, after PFPS, in terms of incidence frequency overuse injury amongst runners - 8.5 %. It is the most common cause of lateral knee pain. It mainly occurs in middle aged athletes, in the second decade of life. Cyclists, skiers, weight lifters, soccer and tennis players are next groups, where this clinical entity occurs. ITBS is typical overuse injury which results from cyclic friction (or compression) of iliotibial band on lateral epicondyle of femur. Training errors are main risk factors. Biomechanical disorders leading to this entity are: weakness of gluteus medius, lack of functional hip mobility, weakness of knee flexors and extensors, shortness of hip adductors, limited hip internal rotation. Improper saddle height, frame size or incorrect pedal position can cause ITBS among cyclists. Case study:Professional cyclist was referred to Rehabilitation Centre, complaining about severe pain located at lateral side of the right knee, lasting from 4 months. The pain was described as burning, sharp, increasing during biking, finally disabling him to continue sports activity. After biomechanical analysis we introduced functional re-education training correcting disbalances, the causes of injury. The role of tri-planar, eccentric exercises rotating the pelvis is underlined. After 7 weeks of aggressive, functional rehabilitation resumed sports activity without pain and functional limitations. Conclusions:An early diagnosis of ITBS allows for shorter rehabilitation time. It’s necessary to precisely determine biomechanical disorders leading to ITBS. 7-week rehabilitation, with functional, three dimensional exercises is effective mean of ITBS treatment. We recommend to continue this kind of exercises for 6-12 months to prevent injury recurrence