ORIGINAL PAPER
Prevalence of injury in ultra trail running
 
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1
National Track and Field Center, Sports Medicine Clinic S.E.G.A.S., Thessaloniki, Greece
 
2
Biomechanics & Ergonomics Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, Alexander Technological Educational Institute, Thessaloniki, Greece
 
 
Online publication date: 2018-03-22
 
 
Hum Mov. 2015;16(2):55-59
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
The purpose of the study was to find the rate of musculoskeletal injuries in ultra-trail runners, investigate the most sensitive anatomical areas, and discover associated predicting factors to aid in the effective prevention and rapid rehabilitation of trail running injuries.

Methods:
Forty ultra trail runners responded to an epidemiological questionnaire.

Results:
At least one running injury was reported by 90% of the sample, with a total of 135 injuries were reported (111 overuse injuries, 24 appeared during competing). Lower back pain was the most common source of injury (42.5%). Running in the mountains (p = 0.0004) and following a personalized training schedule (p = 0.0995) were found to be protective factors. Runners involved in physical labor are associated with more injuries (p = 0.058). Higher-level runners are associated with more injuries than lower-level cohorts (p = 0.067), with symptoms most commonly arising in the lower back (p = 0.091), hip joint (p = 0.083), and the plantar surface of the foot (p = 0.054). Experienced runners (> 6 years) are at greater risk of developing injuries (p = 0.001), especially in the lower back (p = 0.012), tibia (p = 0.049), and the plantar surface of the foot (p = 0 .028). Double training sessions could cause hip joint injury (p = 0.060).

Conclusions:
In order to avoid injury, it is recommended to train mostly on mountain trails and have a training program designed by professionals.

ISSN:1899-1955
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