ABSTRACT

Running is an effective way to exercise large muscle groups and has a documented effect in the preservation of health and in the prevention of cardiovascular problems. However, it is a potentially harmful activity, and running injuries are common-although 2-2.5 times less frequent than injuries from other sports. The overall yearly incidence rate for running injuries is about 37-56%. The incidence of all running injuries ranges from 3.6 to 5.5 injuries per 1000 hours of running. For competitive athletes, the range is 2.5-5.8 injuries per 1000 hours of running, depending on the specialization.