A systematic review of running-related musculoskeletal injuries in Runners

Reviewed by Tyler Tice, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC

This systemic review examines the incidence and prevalence of running related musculoskeletal injuries (RRMIs). The knee, ankle, and lower leg are thr most commonly injured sites, with Achilles tendinopathy and patellofemoral pain syndrome being prevalent. It was found that there are no significant differences between ultramarathoners and non-ultramarathoners. Running has numerous health benefits but also a high rate of overuse injuries. Updated epidemiological datais needed for better prevention and rehabilitation.

A systematic search was conducted in SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Medline databases up to

June 2020, with date restrictions. Prospective studies were included for incidence data, while

retrospective or cross-sectional studies were used for prevalence data. The analysis also

separately considered ultramarathon runner to identify any differences in injury patterns

 

Overall injury rates:
The mean injury incidence was 40.2%, and the mean prevalence was 44.6%.

 

Anatomical locations:
Incidence: Knee (27.0%, ankle (25%), lower leg (23%). Prevalence:

knee (28%), lower leg (16%), and foot/toes (14%).

 

Specific pathologies:
Incidence: Achilles tendinopathy (10.3%, medial tibial stress syndrome

(6.3%), plantar fasciitis (6.1%), ankle sprains (5.8%). Prevalence: Patellofemoral pain syndrome

(16.7%), medial tibial stress syndrome (9.1%), plantar fasciitis (7.9%), iliotibial band syndrome

(7.9%), Achilles tendinopathy (6.6%)

 

Similar injury distribution, with anterior compartment tendinopathy (19.4%)

being notable, patellofemoral pain syndrome (15.8%), and Achilles tendinopathy (13.7%).

No significant difference in injury incidence proportions by anatomical location were found

between ultramarathoners and non-ultramarathoners.

 

Knee and ankle injuries dominate, with Achilles tendinopathy and patellofemoral pain syndrome being most prevalent.. Most likely due to biomedical demands and repetitive stress. It also notes limitations in included studies due to inconsistent injury definitions and varying study designs which may affect the interpretation of epidemiological data.

 

Findings suggest need for future research and consistent injury definitions.

 

 

Kakouris, N., Yener, N., & Fong, D. T.-P. (2021). A systematic review of running-related

musculoskeletal injuries in Runners. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine

https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2021.672