Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this review was to synthesise the literature related to risk factors for running injuries, with an emphasis on predicting the risk of injury based upon biomechanical variables. Data sources: Literature sources from a broad range of scientific journals were searched, focusing primarily on literature describing studies which directly related to risk factors for overuse running injuries of the lower extremity. Study section: There were a total of 74 studies reviewed. Data were primarily reviewed from experimental and epidemiological studies. Data extraction: Only data from research published in refereed journals or professional conference proceedings were presented in this review. Data synthesis: Although many sources suggest that about 60% of running injuries are due to training errors, from a practical standpoint, it could be stated that all overuse running injuries are attributable to training variables. In order to sustain an overuse injury, a runner must have exceeded his/her limit of running distance and/or intensity in such a way that the remodelling of the injured structure predominated over the repair process. Biomechanical and anthropometric variables are very important in determining where the limits exist for an individual. Conclusions: Since all overuse running injuries could be attributed to training errors, then it would follow that these injuries should be preventable. A proactive approach may enable practitioners to predict running injury risk based upon biomechanical and anthropometric profiles of runners. Future prospective studies could further identify variables which are most responsible for running injuries, and determine easily measurable variables that may correlate to these risk factors. Keywords: chronic injuries, training errors, running, prevention, gait 

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