Knowledge of Predicting Increased Risk for an Overuse Injury in Runners

Knowledge of Predicting Increased Risk for an Overuse Injury in Runners Related to the Mutual Length of Femur and Tibia and the Running Style

The purpose of this study is to examine the skeleton of the legs and the running style in order to predict a possible overuse injury.

The running style and the training composition and the body composition are thought to have major effect on the development of overuse injuries.

To define a prevention strategy, one must have the knowledge about risk factors and causation. The training composition is very relevant clinically but the underlying factors have not been studied yet. For the present there is no scientifical evidence of a possible relation between the body composition such as the mutual length and width of femur and tibia and the development of overuse injuries.

Thus, the aim of this study is to achieve evidence-based knowledge of these factors in order to advice runners about the precautions and to avoid that people get a sedentary lifestyle.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men between 18 and 60 years
• Access to an e-mail
• Two years running experience as a minimum
• Exercises three times weekly as a minimum, on annual average or until any excessive load on the body occurs
• Experience with running machines
• A written signed statement of consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lack of a written signed statement of consent
• Unwillingness to keep a journal during the running exercises
• Unwillingness to register data during the follow-up period
• Injury in the lower extremities within 3 months before baseline
• The runner uses insoles or he has been through a surgical procedure in the lower extremities
• A mental disability for example dementia or challenging behaviour
• The runner plays heavy sport, cf. American College of Sports Medicine
• Unability to read or understand Danish
• Unability to cooperate