Abstract
To study the occurrence of running-related injuries, a group of 115 volunteers were
supervised in a training program. These subjects who had limited or no running experience
were asked to keep a diary in which they registered information on the training program
and injuries. Ultimately, 63% of the diaries fulfilled the criteria for inclusion
into longitudinal analysis. The training program (18-20 months) consisted of three
phases, each phase finished with a contest (15 km, 25 km, and a marathon, respectively).
The participants were individually supervised by an experienced coach with special
attention to physiologic training and injury-preventive aspects. Eighty-five percent
(n = 62) of the research population sustained at least one injury during the experiment.
They reported in total 174 injuries. The number of injury cases per week increased
gradually over the experimental period; however, when expressed per unit of exposure
time (i.e., 1000 training hours), it showed a decline. There was a significant correlation
between the number of injured volunteers and the distance covered during the training
at the start of the training program. The anatomic distribution of the injuries is
in agreement with findings in the literature. There was also a possible preference
for the localization of injuries to the lower leg and Achilles tendon on the left
side of the body.
Key words
running injury - marathon
