Acute and Overuse Injuries Correlated to Hours of Training in Master Running Athletes

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Abstract

The goal of the study was to determine the rate of running-associated tendinopathy in light of the amount of time training and other risk factors. 291 elite runners (average age 42 +/- 9 years) who ran an average of 65.2 +/- 28.3 km/week were included with an overall distance of 9,980,852 km (34,416 km/athlete). Descriptive statistics with Chi2-Test, Fisher-Exact-Test and Mann-Whitney-Test were used to calculate relative risks (RR). The overall injury rate was 0.08/1000 km (2.93/athlete). Overuse injuries (0.07/1000 km) were more frequent than acute injuries (0.01/1000 km). Achilles tendinopathy was the predominant injury (0.02/1000 km) followed by anterior knee pain (0.01/1000 km), and shin splints (0.01/1000 km). Achilles tendon rupture was rarely encountered (0.001/1000 km). At some time, 56.6% of the athletes had an Achilles tendon overuse injury, 46.4% anterior knee pain, 35.7% shin splints, and 12.7% had plantar fasciitis. Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy was more common (0.01/1000 km) than insertional (0.005/1000 km). An asphalt running surface decreased mid-portion tendinopathy risk (RR 0.47, p = 0.02). In contrast, sand increased the relative risk for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy tenfold (RR 10, CI 1.12 to 92.8, p = 0.01). Runners with more than 10 years experience had an increased risk (RR 1.6, p = 0.04) for Achilles tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy is the most common running-associated tendinopathy followed by runner's knee and shin splints.

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Most cited references 14

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A retrospective case-control analysis of 2002 running injuries.

J E Taunton (2002)

To provide an extensive and up to date database for specific running related injuries, across the sexes, as seen at a primary care sports medicine facility, and to assess the relative risk for individual injuries based on investigation of selected risk factors. Patient data were recorded by doctors at the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre over a two year period. They included assessment of anthropometric, training, and biomechanical information. A model was constructed (with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals) of possible contributing factors using a dependent variable of runners with a specific injury and comparing them with a control group of runners who experienced a different injury. Variables included in the model were: height, weight, body mass index, age, activity history, weekly activity, history of injury, and calibre of runner. Most of the study group were women (54%). Some injuries occurred with a significantly higher frequency in one sex. Being less than 34 years old was reported as a risk factor across the sexes for patellofemoral pain syndrome, and in men for iliotibial band friction syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, and tibial stress syndrome. Being active for less than 8.5 years was positively associated with injury in both sexes for tibial stress syndrome; and women with a body mass index less than 21 kg/m(2) were at a significantly higher risk for tibial stress fractures and spinal injuries. Patellofemoral pain syndrome was the most common injury, followed by iliotibial band friction syndrome, plantar fasciitis, meniscal injuries of the knee, and tibial stress syndrome. Although various risk factors were shown to be positively associated with a risk for, or protection from, specific injuries, future research should include a non-injured control group and a more precise measure of weekly running distance and running experience to validate these results.