Overview

Running-related injuries (RRI) are commonly reported by all levels of runners, which attenuate participation in running. Current evidence has suggested that RRI mostly occur in lower back and lower extremities, and they can be predicted by biopsychosocial factors. In regard of biomechanical factors, previous studies have found that RRI is related to tendon thickness, lower extremities muscle strength, navicular drop, joint alignment, range of motion, kinetic chain, functional movement, and footwear. Increased training volume and participation in marathon competitions are also associated with increased risk of injuries. Furthermore, recent studies has started to investigate influence of psychological aspects, and found correlations between running performance and risk of injuries and passion, grit, and endurance sports self-efficacy. In addition, social factors, such as, sleep and chronotype, may also affect runners' training schedule and recovery, indirectly influencing occurrence of RRI. However, current evidence on biopsychosocial predictors for RRI is limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate biopsychosocial predictors for RRI in runners who plan to participate in marathons in six-month time. The study plan to recruit 100 participants and measure running habits, physical activity, passion, grit, endurance sports self-efficacy, sleep quality, and chronotype by questionnaires, and lower extremity tendon thickness, muscle thickness, and cross-sectional area by ultrasonography, and lower extremity muscle strength by hand-held dynamometer, and functional performance and running kinematics. The follow-ups will take place every month for consecutive 6 months after the first measurement, and any RRI occurs during the follow-ups will be recorded. The study is expected to assist in understanding mechanism of RRI, further improving sports prevention and treatment strategies.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants who run regularly at least 5 km per week, have consistently run for over 9 months, and will participate a half of full marathon competition in 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who (1) have musculoskeletal injuries in the recent 3 months; (2) have neurological disorders that would affect movement patterns; (3) are diagnosed with cardiovasculopulmanary or metabolic disease that are contraindications for middle and high intensity activities; (4) have autoimmune disorders; (5) have cancer; (6) are in fever or acute inflammation; or (7) are in pregnancy.