The Running Readiness Scale as an Assessment of Kinematics Related to Knee Injury in Novice Female Runners

Abstract

CONTEXT Frontal and transverse plane kinematics were prospectively identified as risk factors for running-related injuries in females. The Running Readiness Scale (RRS) may allow for clinical evaluation of these kinematics. OBJECTIVES To assess reliability and validity of the RRS as an assessment of frontal and transverse plane running kinematics. DESIGN Cross-sectional SETTING University research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS 56 female novice runners. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 3D kinematics were collected during running and RRS tasks: hopping, plank, step-ups, single-leg squats, and wall-sit. RRS performances were assessed by 5 assessors, 3 times each. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of total RRS score and individual tasks were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient and Fleiss kappa, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients between peak joint angles measured during running and the same angles measured during RRS tasks were calculated. Peak joint angles of high vs. low scoring participants were compared. RESULTS Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of assessment of the total RRS scores were good. Reliability of the assessment of individual tasks were moderate to almost perfect. Peak hip adduction, pelvic drop, and knee abduction during running were correlated with the same angles measured during hopping, step-ups, and single-leg squats (r=0.537–0.939). Peak knee internal rotation during running was correlated with peak knee internal rotation during step-ups (r=0.831). Runners who scored high on the RRS demonstrated less knee abduction during running. CONCLUSIONS The RRS may be an effective evaluation of knee abduction in novice runners, but evaluation criteria or tasks may need to be modified for effective assessment of pelvis and transverse plane knee kinematics.

Clinical and exercise professional opinion of return-to-running readiness after childbirth: an international Delphi study and consensus statement

“…The Running Readiness Scale, which consists of five tasks (hopping, planks, step-ups, single leg squats and wall sits), was proposed to identify injury risk due to movement patterns. An initial study of this scale, validating it against three-dimensional (3D) running biomechanics in asymptomatic novice runners, showed reliability and validity with the screen and knee abduction angles 81. Goom et al 19 proposed that a postpartum runner should be able to walk (30 min), and perform exercises (single leg balance, single leg squats, jog, perform forward bounds, hops and single leg running man) to evaluate postpartum load and impact management in regard to provocation of pelvic floor symptoms or pain.…”

“…An initial study of this scale, validating it against 3D running biomechanics in asymptomatic novice runners, showed reliability and validity with the screen and knee abduction angles. 81 Goom et al 19 proposed that a postpartum runner should be able to walk (30 mins), and perform exercises (single leg balance, single leg squats, jog, perform forward bounds, hops and single leg running man) to evaluate postpartum load and impact management in regard to provocation of pelvic floor symptoms or pain. To our knowledge, this screen has not been further investigated.…”