Runners! Ready to SPRINT?

I am bringing something controversial today. A prevention program that unfortunately is failing. First things first, here is the link from the BJSM.

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2022/05/12/bjsports-2021-104539?fbclid=IwAR3ExXOHQNcMzFnaO18HYijHDD0vRRRiy9kYsQnLP4NAVsSFm4GyeHx4U8E

Now, if we have a look at the conclusions it looks quite disheartening. It doesn't matter what you do to prevent it, you will get injured. But this is not entirely true. We are talking about a general advice, non specific recommendations that usually do not consider individual aspects. And I think this is the essence of this research.

For example, if we look at the 10 Step interventions (available as supplementary material with the article) they are fairly reasonable and there are things most clinicians, myself included, are recommending to prevent injuries or recover from them. Gradual and progressive workload, that's something I have repeated over my physio career as a mantra. However, we are missing many important factors like psychosocial, diet, routines, previous injuries, etc.

Another aspect I would like to highlight from this research is the graph regarding Running Related Injuries and location. What a surprise! Knee, calf and foot have the highest prevalence. Why is this happening? Could it have something to do with the amount o load this joints are under? Just having a quick look of the anatomy we can also see that the lower leg muscles are smaller than for example quadriceps or glutes. The distribution of forces and tensions on the foot and ankle is something comparable with advance architecture. All this are individual factors that could be affecting the risk of having an injury.

Now, advertising mode activated. Seek for help, strength and conditioning coaching, personal trainers, specific running coaching and in case of injuries a physiotherapist. We do love challenges and I personally enjoy working with people who has goals. It makes the prevention or if necessary recovery a lot easier. And last bit, just a personal though, I consider a multifactorial and global approach has higher chances of success.