Fokkema et al reported prognostic factors for running-related injuries in a novice runner. These can help to identify a runner who may face a prolonged recovery. The authors are from multiple institutions in the Netherlands.
Patient selection: novice runner
Average duration of injuries in the study group: 8 weeks
Most common sites of injury:
(1) lower back, hip or groin
(2) thigh
(3) knee
(4) shin
(5) calf
(6) ankle
(7) Achilles tendon
(8) foot
Factors associated with a poor prognosis:
(1) injury duration > 10 weeks
(2) history of previous running-related injury (OR 2.31; not necessarily the same type of injury)
Factors associated with a better prognosis:
(1) calf injury (OR 0.49)
(2) injury duration < 10 weeks
Factors that may contribute:
(1) overall fitness
(2) rehabilitation after injury
(3) technique
(4) intensity of running
