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Biomechanical Risk Factors Associated with Running-Related Injuries: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

Background

Running is a popular form of physical activity with many health benefits. However, the incidence and prevalence of running-related injuries (RRIs) is high. Biomechanical factors may be related to the development of RRIs.

Objective

This systematic review synthesizes biomechanical risk factors related to the development of RRIs in non-injured runners.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, and SPORTDiscus were searched in July 2018 for original peer-reviewed prospective studies evaluating potential biomechanical factors associated with the development of RRIs. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion and methodological quality. Due to methodological heterogeneity across studies, a narrative synthesis of findings was conducted, rather than a meta-analysis.

Results

Sixteen studies, including 13 of high quality and three of moderate quality, were included. A large number of biomechanical variables were evaluated, producing inconsistent evidence overall. Limited evidence indicated greater peak hip adduction in female runners developing patellofemoral pain and iliotibial band syndrome, but not for a mixed-sex population of cross-country runners sustaining an RRI. The relationship between vertical loading rate and RRIs was inconsistent. Other kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal factors were only studied to a limited extent.

Conclusions

Current prospective evidence relating biomechanical variables to RRI risk is sparse and inconsistent, with findings largely dependent on the population and injuries being studied. Future research is needed to confirm these biomechanical risk factors and determine whether modification of these variables may assist in running injury prevention and management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reval Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium

    Linde Ceyssens, Romy Vanelderen & Bart Dingenen

  2. La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia

    Christian Barton

  3. Complete Sports Care, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia

    Christian Barton & Peter Malliaras

  4. Department of Surgery, St Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

    Christian Barton

  5. Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia

    Peter Malliaras

Authors
  1. Linde Ceyssens
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  2. Romy Vanelderen
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  3. Christian Barton
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  4. Peter Malliaras
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  5. Bart Dingenen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bart Dingenen.

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No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this article.

Conflict of interest

Linde Ceyssens, Romy Vanelderen, Christian Barton, Peter Malliaras, and Bart Dingenen declare that they have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this review.

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Ceyssens, L., Vanelderen, R., Barton, C. et al. Biomechanical Risk Factors Associated with Running-Related Injuries: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 49, 1095–1115 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01110-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01110-z

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