Educational online prevention programme (the SPRINT study) has no effect on the number of running-related injuries in recreational runners: a randomised-controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an enhanced online injury prevention programme on the number of running-related injuries (RRIs) in recreational runners.MethodsWe conducted a randomised-controlled trial in runners who registered for running events (distances: 10–42.195 km) in the Netherlands. Adult runners who provided informed consent were randomised into the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group received access to the online prevention programme, which included items to prevent RRIs. Participants in the control group followed their regular preparation for the running event. The primary outcome measure was the number of new RRIs from baseline to 1 month after the running event. To determine differences between injury proportions, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsThis study included 4050 recreational runners (63.5% males; mean (SD) age: 42.3 (12.1) years) for analyses. During follow-up, 35.5% (95% CI: 33.5 to 37.6) of the participants in the intervention group sustained a new RRI compared with 35.4% (95% CI: 33.3 to 37.5) of the participants in the control group, with no between-group difference (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.17). There was a positive association between the number of items followed in the injury prevention programme and the number of RRIs (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.11).ConclusionThe enhanced online injury prevention programme had no effect on the number of RRIs in recreational runners, and being compliant with the programme paradoxically was associated with a slightly higher injury rate. Future studies should focus on individual targeted prevention with emphasis on the timing and application of preventive measures.Trial registration numberNL7694.

Strategies to prevent and manage running-related knee injuries: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

“…Mean age and body mass index ranged between 28 and 43 years and 23.3 kg/m 2 and 33.3 kg/m 2 , respectively. The most common interventions evaluated were running shoe prescription (n=6),33–38 multicomponent exercise therapy (n=4),39–42 variations on a graduated running programme (n=3)43–45 and online injury prevention education programmes (n=3) 46–48. Single trials evaluated the effect of running technique retraining49 and an injury prevention education programme (practical workshop) 50.…”

“…Single trials evaluated the effect of running technique retraining49 and an injury prevention education programme (practical workshop) 50. Knee injury was diagnosed by participant self-report in 11 studies33–36 40 41 43 45–48 and clinical examination by a medical professional in 7 studies 37–39 42 44 49 50. Running-related injury definition varied between studies (online supplemental appendix 4), and the period of monitoring for injury ranged between 4 weeks and 12 months.…”

“…Seventeen trials were rated as high quality using the PEDRo scale,33–36 38 39 43 44 46 51 54–59 61 while 13 trials were rated as moderate quality37 40–42 45 47–50 52 53 60 62 (online supplemental appendix 5). Four studies (13%) were classified as low risk of bias,35 37 43 51 12 studies (40%) were classified as having some concerns33 34 36 38–42 44 49 57 62 and 14 studies (47%) were classified as high risk of bias (figure 2).…”

“…Four studies (13%) were classified as low risk of bias,35 37 43 51 12 studies (40%) were classified as having some concerns33 34 36 38–42 44 49 57 62 and 14 studies (47%) were classified as high risk of bias (figure 2). 45–48 50 52–56 58–61…”

Resistance Exercise for Improving Running Economy and Running Biomechanics and Decreasing Running-Related Injury Risk: A Narrative Review

“…The most prevalent running-related injuries are medial tibial stress syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, patellar tendinopathy, iliotibial band syndrome, stress fractures of the tibia, and patellofemoral pain syndrome [ 28 , 110 ]. Very recently, a study conducted on more than 4000 runners reported virtually no benefit of a comprehensive prevention program on injury risk [ 111 ]. The implemented program included various pieces of advice pertaining to load progression and management, footwear, subjective aspects, and running-specific exercises.…”