A1 Journal article (refereed)
Hip and core exercise programme prevents running-related overuse injuries in adult novice recreational runners : a three-arm randomised controlled trial (Run RCT) (2024)
Leppänen, M., Viiala, J., Kaikkonen, P., Tokola, K., Vasankari, T., Nigg, B. M., Krosshaug, T., Werthner, P., Parkkari, J., & Pasanen, K. (2024). Hip and core exercise programme prevents running-related overuse injuries in adult novice recreational runners : a three-arm randomised controlled trial (Run RCT). British Journal of Sports Medicine, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107926
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Leppänen, Mari; Viiala, Janne; Kaikkonen, Piia; Tokola, Kari; Vasankari, Tommi; Nigg, Benno M.; Krosshaug, Tron; Werthner, Penny; Parkkari, Jari; Pasanen, Kati
Journal or series: British Journal of Sports Medicine
ISSN: 0306-3674
eISSN: 1473-0480
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 09/05/2024
Volume: Early online
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107926
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/95333
Additional information: JP and KP are joint senior authors
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the efficacy of two exercise interventions in reducing lower extremity (LE) injuries in novice recreational runners.
Methods
Novice runners (245 female, 80 male) were randomised into hip and core (n=108), ankle and foot (n=111) or control (n=106) groups. Interventions were completed before running and included exercise programmes focusing on either (1) hip and core or (2) ankle and foot muscles. The control group performed static stretching exercises. All groups were supervised by a physiotherapist and performed the same running programme. Injuries and running exposure were registered using weekly questionnaires during the 24-week study. Primary outcome was running-related LE injury.
Results
The incidence of LE injuries was lower in the hip and core group compared with the control group (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.97). The average weekly prevalence of overuse injuries was 39% lower (prevalence rate ratio, PRR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.96), and the prevalence of substantial overuse injuries was 52% lower (PRR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.90) in the hip and core group compared with the control group. No significant difference was observed between the ankle and foot group and control group in the prevalence of overuse injuries. A higher incidence of acute injuries was observed in the ankle and foot group compared with the control group (HR 3.60, 95% CI 1.20 to 10.86).
Conclusion
A physiotherapist-guided hip and core-focused exercise programme was effective in preventing LE injuries in novice recreational runners. The ankle and foot programme did not reduce LE injuries and did not protect against acute LE injuries when compared with static stretching.
Keywords: running; runners (athletes); training; exercise (people); stress injuries; auxiliary training (sports); pelvis; stretching exercise; musculoskeletal system
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Preliminary JUFO rating: 3
