eval set · question 17 of 22 · graded by hand
Does higher training volume increase running-related injury risk in recreational runners?
Sudden large increases in training load are associated with higher injury risk, though 10-24% increases show no difference in risk. 1
Weekly volume changes >10% (relative) or >5km (absolute) combined with pace progression were NOT significantly associated with increased injury risk in Danish recreational runners. 2
Mileage increases from 20-30km to 30-40km weekly were associated with increased injury risk in Korean recreational runners. 3
In competitive adolescent distance runners, higher training volume (sessions/week) was associated with LOWER injury risk. 4
In one cohort, lower training load was linked to higher patellofemoral pain risk, while higher training load was linked to higher lower leg injury risk, suggesting effects vary by injury type. 5
Reduced training volume during COVID-19 restrictions was associated with fewer injuries in youth runners. 6
Marathon participation (a marker of higher volume/distance) was associated with increased injury risk in runners with prior injury history. 7
What we can't tell you
- Overall dose-response relationship between absolute weekly training volume and injury risk in general recreational runners is inconsistent across studies
- Whether the relationship differs by runner experience level, sex, or injury type is not clearly resolved
- see a professional
Sources
Sudden increases in training load are associated with increased risk of running-related injuries in runners, with greater increases showing higher risk
pop. Runners aged 18-65 years · direction positive (increased injury risk with larger load increases; no difference between 10-24% increases) · design Systematic review · moderate
IS THERE EVIDENCE FOR AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CHANGES IN TRAINING LOAD AND RUNNING-RELATED INJURIES? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. (2018) · doi 10.26603/IJSPT20180931
Relative weekly change >10% in running volume combined with running pace progression, and absolute weekly change >5km in running volume combined with running pace progression, are not statistically significantly associated with increased injury risk in recreational runners.
pop. 586 injury-free recreational runners in Denmark · direction No significant positive interaction effect · design Prospective cohort study with secondary analysis of randomized trial data · moderate
Interactions between running volume and running pace on injury occurrence in recreational runners: A secondary analysis. (2021) · doi 10.4085/1062-6050-0165.21
In Korean recreational runners, previous exercise experience, setting specific running goals, and mileage increases from 20-30 km to 30-40 km weekly are associated with increased running-related injury risk.
pop. Korean recreational runners (1046 respondents: 624 male, 422 female) · direction positive (exercise experience OR 1.57, goal-setting OR 1.57, mileage increase OR 1.66) · design cross-sectional survey · weak
3 Epidemiology of running-related injuries in the Korean population: a cross-sectional survey of 1046 runners (2021) · doi 10.1136/bjsm-2021-basemabs.3
Higher training volume (number of sessions per week) is associated with lower risk of running-related injuries in competitive adolescent distance runners.
pop. Competitive adolescent distance runners aged 13-18 years in England (n=113) · direction negative (lower injury risk with higher training volume) · design cross-sectional · weak
Training Practices and Injuries in Competitive Adolescent Distance Runners: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. (2020) · doi 10.31236/osf.io/6hrpn
Previous injury history is a contributing factor for knee injuries and iliotibial band friction syndrome; lower training load is associated with higher incidence of patellofemoral pain syndrome while higher training load is positively associated with lower leg injuries; higher body mass index increases risk for lower back injuries.
pop. 196 injured runners from Central Europe, majority female (56%) · direction Previous injury increases knee/ITBFS risk; lower training load increases PFPS risk; higher training load increases lower leg injury risk; higher BMI increases lower back injury risk · design Case-control retrospective study · weak
Analysis of Running-Related Injuries: The Vienna Study (2020) · doi 10.3390/jcm9020438
COVID-19 social distancing restrictions resulted in lower training volume, fewer running-related injuries, and reduced healthcare provider visits in youth long-distance runners.
pop. Youth long-distance runners aged 9-19 years (mean age 15.3 ± 1.7 years) participating in cross-country, track and field, road races, or recreational running (n=287; 124 male, 162 female). · direction Negative: reduced training volume and injury frequency during restrictions; reduced healthcare-seeking behavior · design Cross-sectional survey with within-subject comparison (pre vs. during COVID-19) · moderate
Impact of COVID-19 Social Distancing Restrictions on Training Habits, Injury, and Care Seeking Behavior in Youth Long-Distance Runners (2020) · doi 10.3389/fspor.2020.586141
Marathon participation and previous injuries to the upper or lower leg are associated with increased risk of new running-related injuries in recreational runners with a history of injury.
pop. Recreational runners with a running-related injury in the previous 12 months registered for a Dutch running event (5-42.2 km) · direction positive; marathon runners had 1.72x higher odds; previous upper leg injury OR 1.59; previous lower leg injury OR 1.61 · design prospective cohort study · moderate
Factors Associated With Running-Related Injuries in Recreational Runners With a History of Running Injuries (2022) · doi 10.1097/JSM.0000000000001076