Carel T Viljoen1, Nicola Sewry2, Martin P Schwellnus3, Dina C Janse van Rensburg4, Sonja Swanevelder5, Esme Jordaan6. 1. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: carel.viljoen@up.ac.za. 2. Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; International Olympic Committee (IOC) Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. 3. Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; International Olympic Committee (IOC) Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa; Sport and Exercise Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. 4. Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Section Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. 5. Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa. 6. Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Statistics and Population Studies Department, University of the Western Cape, Western Cape, South Africa.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Trail running is characterized by elevation changes, with uneven and varying running surfaces. Risk factors that may predict gradual-onset running-related injuries (GORRIs) in short-distance trail running have not been explored. The objective was to determine risk factors that predict GORRIs in trail running race entrants who entered mass community-based trail running events. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were collected prospectively from a prerace medical screening questionnaire over 4 trail run events held annually. Using a Poisson regression model, runner demographics, race distance, running training/racing variables, history of chronic diseases (number of chronic diseases reported as a cumulative "chronic disease composite score"), and allergies were investigated to determine factors predicting self-reported GORRI history in the previous 12 mo. RESULTS: This study included 2824 race entrants (80% of entrants). The retrospective annual incidence for GORRIs was 13%. Independent risk factors predicting GORRIs were longer race distance (P<0.0001), increasing chronic disease composite score (P=0.0012), and a history of allergies (P=0.0056). The lower limb (94%) was the main anatomic region of GORRIs, and soft tissue injuries accounted for most (83%) GORRIs. Common specific GORRIs were iliotibial band syndrome (22%), Achilles tendon injury (10%), and hamstring injury (9%). CONCLUSIONS: Independent risk factors predicting GORRIs among trail running entrants included longer race distance, a higher chronic disease composite score, and a history of allergies. This study has highlighted trail running race entrants at risk for sustaining GORRIs who could be targeted for future injury prevention interventions.
INTRODUCTION: Trail running is characterized by elevation changes, with uneven and varying running surfaces. Risk factors that may predict gradual-onset running-related injuries (GORRIs) in short-distance trail running have not been explored. The objective was to determine risk factors that predict GORRIs in trail running race entrants who entered mass community-based trail running events. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were collected prospectively from a prerace medical screening questionnaire over 4 trail run events held annually. Using a Poisson regression model, runner demographics, race distance, running training/racing variables, history of chronic diseases (number of chronic diseases reported as a cumulative "chronic disease composite score"), and allergies were investigated to determine factors predicting self-reported GORRI history in the previous 12 mo. RESULTS: This study included 2824 race entrants (80% of entrants). The retrospective annual incidence for GORRIs was 13%. Independent risk factors predicting GORRIs were longer race distance (P<0.0001), increasing chronic disease composite score (P=0.0012), and a history of allergies (P=0.0056). The lower limb (94%) was the main anatomic region of GORRIs, and soft tissue injuries accounted for most (83%) GORRIs. Common specific GORRIs were iliotibial band syndrome (22%), Achilles tendon injury (10%), and hamstring injury (9%). CONCLUSIONS: Independent risk factors predicting GORRIs among trail running entrants included longer race distance, a higher chronic disease composite score, and a history of allergies. This study has highlighted trail running race entrants at risk for sustaining GORRIs who could be targeted for future injury prevention interventions.
Authors: Carel T Viljoen; Dina C Janse van Rensburg; Evert Verhagen; Willem van Mechelen; Elzette Korkie; Tanita Botha Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-30 Impact factor: 3.390