Differences in injury risk and characteristics of injuries between novice and experienced runners over a 4-year period

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Running is increasingly popular, but also carries a high injury risk, especially in novice runners. This study investigates differences in incidence and characteristics of running-related injuries (RRIs) between novice and experienced runners in the open population, in order to adapt to more specific needs for future prevention programs. METHODS: Data were obtained from Injuries and Physical Activity in the Netherlands (IPAN), a Dutch questionnaire on injuries, physical activity, and sports. A representative sample of runners (n = 4621) from IPAN, including 1405 novice runners, was used to assess injury incidence rates, anatomical site, onset and need for medical attention of RRIs. Participants who started running during the past 12 months were defined as 'novice' runners. 'Experienced' runners are participants who had been running for more than 1 year. RESULTS: Of the 4621 runners, 41,8% were female. The average age was 34.2 years. From 2010 to 2013, a total of 416 injuries were reported. The incidence of RRIs was significantly higher in novice runners compared with experienced runners: 8.78 (8.59-8.96) vs. 4.24 (4.11-4.37) per 1000 h running. In both novice and experienced runners, most RRIs were located at the knee (30.5%) and lower leg (17.8%), with the Achilles' tendon less frequently injured in novice runners (2.3% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.031). Novice runners sustained more medical attention injuries (36.8%) than experienced runners (29.2%) (p > 0.132). CONCLUSIONS: In total, over 30% of all (novice and experienced) runners, suffered from RRI within 1 year. Novice runners reported more injuries per 1000 h of running in comparison to experienced runners. A tendency toward receiving medical attention more frequently was found in novice runners compared to experienced runners. In view of this higher injury incidence of RRIs and healthcare consumption in novice runners, more studies are needed to develop effective injury prevention programs for novice runners.