Open AccessYouth Distance Running: Strategies for Training and Injury Reduction
Author(s) -
Brian J. Krabak,
Adam S. Tenforde,
Irene S. Davis,
Michael Fredericson,
Mark A. Harrast,
Pierre A. d’Hemecourt,
Anthony Luke,
William O. Roberts
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
current sports medicine reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.424
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1537-8918
pISSN - 1537-890X
DOI - 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000564
Subject(s) - medicine , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , sports medicine , injury prevention , youth sports , female athlete triad , athletes , applied psychology , poison control , gerontology , psychology , clinical psychology , medical emergency , disordered eating , eating disorders
Running is a popular sport for children in the United States. However, review of available literature on health effects and safety recommendations for youth running has not been previously conducted. Unique factors for injury include periods of growth during puberty and potential for growth plate injury. Youth runners may benefit from activities that incorporate high-impact loading and multidirectional movement for optimal bone maturation, exercises to strengthen tendons and muscles, and strategies aimed at improving running biomechanics to reduce risk of injury. In addition, addressing lifestyle factors, including nutrition and sleep is essential for a runner's general health. Similar to other sports, sports specialization should not be encouraged in youth runners. Reducing running-related injury in growing children and assessing readiness for running should be based on a combination of physical, emotional, psychological, social, and cognitive factors. Youth runners require individualized training and competition to safely participate in the sport.