Prognosis and prognostic factors of running-related injuries in novice runners: A prospective cohort study. Issue 3 (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fokkema, Tryntsje; Burggraaff, Robert; Hartgens, Fred; Kluitenberg, Bas; Verhagen, Evert; Backx, Frank J.G.; van der Worp, Henk; Bierma-Zeinstra, Sita M.A.; Koes, Bart W.; van Middelkoop, Marienke
• Is Part Of: Journal of science and medicine in sport. Volume 22:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 259
• Page End: 263
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Recreational running -- Start to run -- Novice running program -- Sports injuries -- Prognostic factors; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- physiology -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Sportgeneeskunde; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-2440

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the prognosis and possible prognostic factors of running-related injuries (RRIs) in novice runners. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Participants of Start to Run, a 6-weeks course for novice runners in The Netherlands, were asked to participate in this study. Before the start of the course a baseline questionnaire, on demographics, physical activity and perceived health, was sent to runners willing to participate. The 26- or 52-weeks follow-up questionnaires assessed information on RRIs and their duration. Only participants that sustained a RRI during follow-up were included in the analyses. An injury duration of 10 weeks or shorter was regarded as a relatively good prognosis, while an injury duration of more than 10 weeks was defined as a poor prognosis. To determine the associations between baseline characteristics and injury prognosis and between injury location and injury prognosis, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: 347 participants (48.8%) sustained an RRI during follow-up. The RRIs had an overall median duration of eight weeks (range: 1–52 weeks). Participants with a previous RRI were more likely to have a poor prognosis (OR 2.31; 95%CI 1.12–4.79), while a calf injury showed a trend towards an association with a relatively good prognosis (OR 0.49; 95%CI 0.22–1.11). Conclusions: The duration of RRIs in novice runners is relatively long, with only calf injuries being associated with a good prognosis. This emphasizes the need of injury prevention measures in novice runners and adequate support during and after an RRI, especially in runners with a previous injury.