Ep 194: Teaching runners to RUNSAFE, with Dr Rasmus Nielsen
Sep 9, 2024
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Dr. Rasmus Nielsen leads a research group on running injuries at Aarhus University. He dives into the prevalence of running-related injuries and the importance of understanding training loads. The discussion includes common injuries like runner's knee, the limitations of the traditional 10% rule, and the intricacies of tracking training metrics. Nielsen emphasizes the role of proper shoe adaptation and highlights the benefits of strength training for injury prevention, urging runners to rethink their approaches for safer running.
Understanding the distinction between overload and overuse injuries is vital for developing targeted prevention strategies for runners.
Gradually adjusting training loads while monitoring through GPS technology significantly reduces the likelihood of running-related injuries.
Deep dives
Prevalence and Types of Running-Related Injuries
A significant percentage of runners experience running-related injuries, with estimates suggesting that 20 to 40% sustain at least one injury annually. Common injuries predominantly affect the lower extremities, particularly the knee, which experiences issues like patellofemoral pain and runner's knee, as well as injuries to the achilles tendon. Acute injuries can occur suddenly from overload, such as stepping into a hole, while chronic injuries often develop from gradually increased strain. Understanding the types and occurrences of these injuries is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies in runners.
Understanding Injury Causes and Training Load
Running-related injuries can be broadly categorized into overload injuries, which occur due to a sudden event, and overuse injuries that result from gradually increasing loads over time. A new framework distinguishes two subtypes of overuse injuries: those that develop suddenly during a single session and those that manifest gradually over weeks. This refined understanding influences how researchers interpret previous studies and manage training loads in runners to prevent injuries. Recognizing the volume and intensity of running sessions is essential in mitigating the risk of injury while ensuring safe training practices.
Injury Prevention Strategies for Runners
To minimize the risk of running-related injuries, runners should introduce changes in their training regimen gradually, whether that means increasing distance, changing shoes, or altering running surfaces. The application of the 10% rule for increasing training load provides a guideline for making gradual adjustments without overwhelming the body. Additionally, capturing training data objectively through GPS devices can enhance awareness of training loads and help in injury prevention. Strength training may also contribute to a runner's resilience against injuries, although further research is needed to solidify its benefits specifically for running.
Today's episode is all about running load and injuries. Dr Rasmus Nielsen (Aarhus University, Denmark) leads the RUNSAFE research group, and today he provides an update on the latest research in running-related injuries.
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RESOURCES
Garmin-RUNSAFE Study (injury data from >7000 runners in 87 countries): https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2023.11959
Garmin-RUNSAFE Study protocol: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31494626/
Changing distance and the association with injuries: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2019.8541
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