[RUNNING INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS] 1 Running Episode 2 On this section we will discuss risk factors related to marathon, competitive

recreational, competitive track club, collegiate and high school populations runners. To clarify what is a risk factor is something that will predispose you to an injury in the future. There 2 types that we will discuss in this section: intrinsic risk factors are related to age, body mass, structural body type, etc. Extrinsic risk factors are usually related to foot wear and training load/intensity. Intrinsic Risk Factors: Demographics: according to evidence in marathon, recreational running populations and males were at higher risk factors. In another research, high school cross-country athletes were at more risk of injury in the future. To finish, track and collegiate levels there was no significant sex differences. Research has not been able to find a consensus

on finding a difference between sex and injury risk factors.

Being young was related to increased of injury for competitive recreational and track and club runners. However, another study reported females older than 50 were more at risk of injuries. To finish, other researches did not find any difference in high school and competitive track club runners. Research has not been able to find a consensus on

finding a difference between sex and injury risk factors.

Body Mass/Composition: Body mas Index being high or low have been associated to injuries on competitive female recreational runners. However, high body mass index has been linked to a protective factor on male runners. In other studies there was a correlation related to high body mass index compare to those with low body mass index. However, there was another research reported that proposed no relation in those. So far research has been inconclusive to find a definite

answer related to weight and height.

Biomechanical/alignment: One study reported in competitive runners a high tubercle angle sulcus angle and knee varus has been related to shin injuries. Lower leg discrepancy was associated with stress fractures. Also, increased high arch index and increased heel valgus were protective of knee injury. Increased overall flexibility was associated

to have an increased risk factor for injury in a 12-month time.

Increased Q-angle, leg length discrepancy, navicular drop and greater overall flexibility were associated with increased injury risk in high school runners. In addition, those runners with difference on Q angle of 4 and more degrees in L and R lower extremity was associated c increased injury.

Menstrual problems: Studies

have found stress fractures and other type of musculoskeletal injuries related to amenorrhea.
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[RUNNING INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS]

Lower level of fat and daily calcium consumptions it has been related to increased risk of stress fractures. In addition, those that had an eating disorder were more likely to sustain a stress fracture. To finish, alcohol abuse one or more time per month was associated with thigh pain/stiffness.
Diet and behavioral factors:

a previous injury has been linked to one of the biggest injury risk factor of an individual. This could be related to poor time on
Prior injury: recovery after a first injury or related to an intrinsic factor structural and/or extrinsic factor increased of mileage too soon.

Take Home Message According to research there is not difference in risk of injury if you are a young and older athlete. In addition, there was not difference in between sexes according recent researchers. If you have a high or low body mass index there are not differences in risk of injury. In my professional opinion if you have a HIGH body mass index this could lead to injuries. Keep an eye on this. If you have increased overall flexible this is correlated to have an increased injury risk. THIS IS MORE FOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST a difference in Q angle of 4 and more degrees in R or L extremities it increases the risk of injury. For WOMEN Menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea has been linked to an in increased in stress fractures. Keep an eye on this point ladies. If you are not consuming enough fat and calcium in your daily basis there is an increased in stress fractures. Alcohol has been linked to increased pain/stiffness. HAVING A PRIOR INJURY HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED TO BE THE NUMBER ONE RISK FACTORS FOR RE-INJURY.

By Carlos Jimenez DPT, CSCS, PES

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