BIOMECHANICAL INJURY PREDICTORS FOR MARATHON RUNNERS : STRIDING TOWARDS ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME INJURY PREVENTION

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze a large group of marathon runners (n=20) and test for biomechanical determinants of running injuries. The opportunity to prospectively follow runners of organized marathon training teams allowed for testing of the hypothesis that functional biomechanics may lead to iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). Each runner was gait tested prior to developing any injuries. Injury predictors were generated by comparing those legs which eventually got ITBS injuries (n=7) with those legs that were injury free (n=33). Higher peak hip adduction moments (p<0.05) and higher angular impulses adducting the hip during stance phase (p<0.005) were found to be significant predictors of ITBS. With this prognostic test as a benchmark, training and coaching may produce dynamic injury prevention.