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Risk factors for lower extremity injuries among male marathon runners
Author(s) -
Van Middelkoop M.,
Kolkman J.,
Van Ochten J.,
BiermaZeinstra S. M. A.,
Koes B. W.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2007.00768.x
Subject(s) - medicine , physical therapy , injury prevention , physical medicine and rehabilitation , poison control , emergency medicine
The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for lower extremity injuries in male marathon runners. A random sample of 1500 recreational male marathon runners was drawn. Possible risk factors were obtained from a baseline questionnaire 1 month before the start of the marathon. Information on injuries sustained shortly before or during the marathon was obtained using a post‐race questionnaire. Of the 694 male runners who responded to the baseline and post‐race questionnaire, 28% suffered a self‐reported running injury on the lower extremities in the month before or during the marathon run. More than six times race participation in the previous 12 months [odds ratio (OR) 1.66; confidence interval (CI) 1.08–2.56], a history of running injuries (OR 2.62; CI 1.82–3.78), high education level (OR 0.73; CI 0.51–1.04) and daily smoking (OR 0.23; CI 0.05–1.01) were associated with the occurrence of lower extremity injuries. Among the modifiable risk factor studies, a training distance <40 km a week is a strong protective factor of future calf injuries, and regular interval training is a strong protective factor for knee injuries. Other training characteristics appear to have little or no effect on future injuries.