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Female runners and those with a history of injuries are at the highest risk for running-related injuries. Modifiable factors like training changes and sleep quality also play a role.
Running-related injuries (RRIs) are a common issue for high school and collegiate cross-country runners. A recent review published in “The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy” identified and summarized the key risk factors for these injuries. The systematic review included 24 studies from Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Cochrane, focused on prospective designs with at least one season of follow-up. Overall, the study quality and evidence certainty ranged from low to moderate.
The results for each risk factor were summarized, and the quality and evidence certainty were assessed using NOS and GRADE frameworks. Female runners, those with previous RRIs, and individuals with high relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) were at greater risk. Runners with a quadriceps angle >20°, lower step rates, and weaker thigh muscles faced higher risks, particularly for anterior knee pain.
Thus, it was concluded that the most significant predictors of RRIs are nonmodifiable, such as sex and RRI history. Moderate certainty indicated that elevated RED-S risk factors heightened RRI risk, particularly for bone stress injuries. However, modifiable factors like training adjustments and sleep quality require further study to better understand their impact on RRI risk.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
Risk Factors for Running-Related Injury in High School and Collegiate Cross-country Runners: A Systematic Review
Mikel R Joachim et. al.
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