A step towards understanding the mechanisms of running-related injuries

J Sci Med Sport. 2015 Sep;18(5):523-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2014.07.014. Epub 2014 Aug 12.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the association between training-related characteristics and running-related injury using a new conceptual model for running-related injury generation, focusing on the synergy between training load and previous injuries, short-term running experience or body mass index (> or < 25 kg m(-2)).

Design: Prospective cohort study with a 9-month follow-up.

Methods: The data of two previous studies using the same methodology were revisited. Recreational runners (n = 517) reported information about running training characteristics (weekly distance, frequency, speed), other sport participation and injuries on a dedicated internet platform. Weekly volume (dichotomized into < 2h and ≥ 2 h) and session frequency (dichotomized into < 2 and ≥ 2) were the main exposures because they were considered necessary causes for running-related injury. Non-training-related characteristics were included in Cox regression analyses as effect-measure modifiers. Hazard ratio was the measure of association. The size of effect-measure modification was calculated as the relative excess risk due to interaction.

Results: One hundred sixty-seven runners reported a running-related injury. Crude analyses revealed that weekly volume < 2h (hazard ratio = 3.29; 95% confidence intervals = 2.27; 4.79) and weekly session frequency < 2 (hazard ratio = 2.41; 95% confidence intervals = 1.71; 3.42) were associated with increased injury rate. Previous injury was identified as an effect-measure modifier on weekly volume (relative excess risk due to interaction = 4.69; 95% confidence intervals = 1.42; 7.95; p = 0.005) and session frequency (relative excess risk due to interaction = 2.44; 95% confidence intervals = 0.48; 4.39; p = 0.015). A negative synergy was found between body mass index and weekly volume (relative excess risk due to interaction = -2.88; 95% confidence intervals = -5.10; -0.66; p = 0.018).

Conclusions: The effect of a runner's training load on running-related injury is influenced by body mass index and previous injury. These results show the importance to distinguish between confounding and effect-measure modification in running-related injury research.

Keywords: Effect-measure modification; Injury mechanism; Sports injury prevention; Training load monitoring.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Running / injuries*
  • Running / physiology*
  • Time Factors