Musculoskeletal Imaging of Runners

Musculoskeletal Imaging of Runners

The investigators aimed to assess the impact of long-distance running on musculoskeletal system of runners, by doing high resolution magnetic resonance imaging analysis before and after marathon running.

Rationale for the study: This research will examine a key modifiable risk factor for health and well- being: exercise. Regular exercise is highly recommended by healthcare professionals because the whole body benefits, including cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal systems and mental wellbeing. Long-distance running is a popular physical activity with more than 30 million individuals running marathons each year. The increasing participation of first-time runners, including older people, has been linked to a rise in related injuries. The ideal dose of exercise is not known and overdosage affects some musculoskeletal tissues and joints more than others. Overdoing a specific amount of exercise and the presence of chronic injuries may pose a great risk on the joints, leading to serious conditions such as osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, tendinopathy. However, it is not yet clear whether a high dose of exercise such as marathon running damages the musculoskeletal system and there is a growing need for research in the area of running science to better understand this.

Aim: This research aims to do musculoskeletal imaging before and after long-distance running using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and to provide evidence on how much exercise people should undertake and how to minimise injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

• no previous marathon participations
• no present or previous history of hip injuries or surgeries
• asymptomatic hip joints
• no contradindications to hip MRI scanning

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant or breastfeeding women
• individuals aged <18 years
• claustrophobia
• history of anxiety or panic attacks
• known hip problems