| Purpose: This prospective study aims to investigate the risk factors for Running-Related Injuries (RRI) in recreational runners, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of RRI in this population. Methods: Baseline assessments, including questionnaire surveys, anthropometric evaluations, physical fitness tests, and running biomechanical assessments, were conducted on 95 healthy recreational runners. Subsequently, a 4-month observation period was implemented to collect injury information. At the end of the observation period, participants were categorized into injury and healthy groups based on their injury status. Independent sample t-test or chi-square test was used to confirm differences in baseline indicators between the two groups. Variables with statistical significance (P＜0.05) were included in a Logistic regression model for analysis. Results: 46 cases of RRI were reported by 36 runners during the observation period, resulting in an injury incidence rate of 38%.The highest incidence of injuries was observed in the knee joint (26.7%).In comparison to the healthy group, the injury group exhibits smaller static Q angle (healthy group: 7.42°±6.90°, injury group: 11.03°±10.17°, P=0.042), trunk forward lean angle at foot-strike (healthy group: 94.24°±4.52°, injury group: 91.89°±4.55°, P=0.016)and shin-ground angle at foot-strike (healthy group: 100.94°±3.44°, injury group: 99.41°±3.33°, P=0.037),and a larger shin-ground angle at toe-off (healthy group: 53.23°±3.19,° injury group: 54.70°±3.09°, P=0.031). Logistic regression analysis indicates that a decrease in the shin-ground angle at foot-strike (OR=0.852, P=0.039) and an increase in the shin-ground angle at toe-off (OR=1.222, P=0.014) may potentially elevate the risk of RRI. Conclusions: (1) In recreational runners, the incidence of RRI is higher, with the lower limbs, specifically the knees, ankles, and feet, being the primary sites of damage. The potential factor leading to an increased risk of RRI in recreational runners may be the moments of foot-strike and toe-off, with the shin-ground angle being more vertical to the ground during running; (2) Static Q-angle and trunk forward lean angle at the moment of foot strike differ between the injury and healthy groups, but no relationship with injury risk was found. Therefore, they may not be potential factors contributing to the increased risk of RRI in recreational runners. |
