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Health and economic burden of running‐related injuries in runners training for an event: A prospective cohort study
Author(s) -
Hespanhol Junior L. C.,
Mechelen W.,
Postuma E.,
Verhagen E.
Publication year - 2016
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/sms.12541
Subject(s) - medicine , prospective cohort study , absenteeism , confidence interval , physical therapy , cohort study , public health , cohort , surgery , psychology , social psychology , nursing
Prospective running‐related injury ( RRI ) data from runners training for an event are scarce, especially with regard to RRI ‐associated costs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and economic burden of RRIs in runners participating in an organized training program preparing them for an event. This was a prospective cohort study with 18 weeks of follow‐up. Individuals aged 18 or older and registered to participate in an organized running program were eligible. Follow‐up surveys were sent every 2 weeks to collect data about running exposure, RRIs , and costs. Of the 161 potential participants, 53 (32.9%) were included in this study. A total of 32 participants reported 41 RRIs . The mean prevalence during follow‐up was 30.8% [95% confidence interval ( CI ) 25.6–36.0%]. Overuse was the main mechanism of RRI (85.4%, n = 35). An RRI was estimated to have an economic burden of €57.97 (95% CI €26.17–94.00) due to healthcare utilization (direct costs) and €115.75 (95% CI €10.37–253.73) due to absenteeism from paid work (indirect costs). These results indicate that the health and economic burden of RRIs may be considered significant for public health. Therefore, prevention programs are needed for runners participating in organized training programs.