A prospective study on gait-related intrinsic risk factors for lower leg overuse injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prospectively gait-related risk factors for lower leg overuse injury (LLOI).


METHODS
A prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Male and female recruits from a start-to-run (STR) programme during a 10-week training period.


METHODS
131 healthy subjects (20 men and 111 women), without a history of any lower leg complaint, participated in the study.


METHODS
Before the start of the 10-week STR programme, plantar force measurements during running were performed. During STR, lower leg injuries were diagnosed and registered by a sports physician.


METHODS
Plantar force measurements during running were performed using a footscan pressure plate.


RESULTS
During the STR, 27 subjects (five men and 22 women) developed a LLOI. Logistic regression analysis revealed that subjects who developed a LLOI had a significantly more laterally directed force distribution at first metatarsal contact and forefoot flat, a more laterally directed force displacement in the forefoot contact phase, foot flat phase and at heel-off. These subjects also had a delayed change of the centre of force (COF) at forefoot flat, a higher force and loading underneath the lateral border of the foot, and a significantly higher directed force displacement of the COF at forefoot flat.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that a less pronated heel strike and a more laterally directed roll-off can be considered as risk factors for LLOI. Clinically, the results of this study can be considered important in identifying individuals at risk of LLOI.
Ghani Zadeh Hesar
N
N
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 3B3 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Narmin.Ghanizadehhesar@ugent.be
Van Ginckel
A
A
Cools
A
A
Peersman
W
W
Roosen
P
P
De Clercq
D
D
Witvrouw
E
E
D000328:Adult; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries*