Background: Injuries among runners is significant, yet the contributing risk factors remain elusive. The objective of this study was to examined the incidence and biomechanical elements associated with running-related injuries.
Methods: A 24-week prospective study was carried out. Injury incidence was calculated per 1000 h of running, with participants completing bi-monthly online questionnaires. Biomechanical risk factors, encompassing plantar pressure, muscle strength of hip and knee muscles, core stability, dorsiflexion, passive hip internal rotation, lower extremity length, Q-angle, and shank-forefoot alignment, were assessed at baseline. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between injury incidence and these biomechanical risk factors.
Results: Ninety-eight runners participated in the study. Injury incidence was 8.1 per 1000 h of running, with 41 runners experiencing musculoskeletal injuries during the follow-up period. The knee emerged as the most commonly affected joint, constituting 28.4 % of injuries. The Odds Ratio for hip external rotator muscle strength was .84 (95 % Confidence Interval = .71 - .99).
Conclusion: Greater force during hip external rotation was identified as a protective factor against running injuries. These findings bear significance for the formulation and implementation of preventive strategies.
Keywords: Incidence; Injury; Risk assessment; Running.
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