lower step rate) and lower BMD would be independently associated with BSI. We hypothesized biomechanical characteristics associated with greater loading (e.g. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if running biomechanics and BMD were prospectively associated with BSI occurrence in NCAA Division I cross country runners. Additionally, multi-factorial assessment of these theorized risk factors may better clarify their relationships with BSI. 13, 15, 20 Consequently, it is difficult to discern if differences in running mechanics and BMD between groups are a causal factor of BSIs or rather a compensation developed following a BSI. Limited prospective studies relating biomechanics and BMD to BSI are available many studies assess these measures separately and following a BSI diagnosis or between those with and without a history of BSI. Varied study designs may contribute to the mixed relationships found between running biomechanics, BMD, and BSI. 18 Prospectively, lower BMD has been associated with BSI among female track athletes but not males. Female runners with and without a history of tibial BSI showed no differences in BMD, 17 while lower leg BMD was retrospectively associated with BSI in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I male endurance athletes. Given the repetitive bone loads associated with distance running, bone mineral density (BMD) has also been studied in relation to BSI with varied results. However, these findings have not been corroborated prospectively. Reductions in stride length have been modeled to reduce tibial BSI risk, 14 while increased hip adduction 15 and tibial internal rotation 16 were observed in those with a history of tibial BSI compared to controls. 13 Spatiotemporal and kinematic metrics have also shown inconsistent associations with BSI. A recent meta-analysis observed a significant difference in vertical loading rate between those with and without prior BSI, 12 while others have found no relationship between any component of the ground reaction force (GRF) and BSI. Running biomechanics are thought to influence BSI risk, however minimal consensus exists regarding which specific characteristics contribute to this risk. Proposed risk factors for BSI include both biological and biomechanical risk factors 5 although biological contributions are well established, 6– 11 biomechanical contributions are less clear. 3, 4 Therefore, identification of risk factors for BSI is vital for developing injury prevention programs, mitigating injury risk, and maintaining athlete health. A BSI can have devastating impacts on sports participation and negatively impact an athlete’s mental health and well-being. 1 The average recovery time following a BSI in this population is 13 weeks, 2 approximately the duration of a cross country season. Bone stress injuries (BSI) are very common among collegiate cross country runners, occurring at a rate of 16 and 29 BSI per 100,000 athletic exposures for males and females, respectively.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |