The DCU Running Injury Surveillance Centre Study: A Prospective Investigation of Factors Relating to Running Injuries

This study aims to prospectively investigate the relationship between a number of clinical and biomechanical variables and running-related injuries among a group of novice and recreational runners over a two year time period. To date, the incidence of running injuries among runners is high, with a lack of prospective research investigating the factors related to injury. It is thought that loading in excess of the tissues capabilities may be be a contributing factor to sustaining a running related injury. As such, this study hypothesizes that biomechanical factors may be related to injury. Healthy participants will perform a battery of clinical tests at baseline, as well as completing a survey that details their injury history and training habits. Kinematic and kinetic motion analysis will be used as participants perform a series of functional movements and a treadmill run. Enrolled participants will be monitored for the occurrence of running-related injuries via email for the duration of the study.