Title
Effectiveness of an Injury Prevention Program on Division I Track & Field Runners
Document Type
Oral/Panel
Publication Date
5-2020
Disciplines
Physical Therapy
Abstract
Running-related injuries (RRI) arise from chronic overuse and repetitive, minor stresses experienced during running. Investigators suggest a high incidence rate of RRIs in the track and field (T&F) and cross-country collegiate population, resulting in various research being done to screen for these injuries. However, there is limited evidence on interventional strategies to reduce the risk of RRIs. Purpose: This study aims to investigate whether a tailored, preseason injury prevention exercise program changes hip strength and dynamic balance in previously injured Division I T&F athletes. Design: Prospective Cohort Study. Methods: A sample of convenience was utilized for this study. Eight of 10 eligible male and female student-athletes from a Division I T&F team with a history of a running-related injury were randomly allocated to a control group (n=2) or the intervention group (n=6). Participants in the intervention group performed a tailored, preseason injury prevention program. They were tested for dynamic balance (modified Y-balance test [mYBT]), ankle mobility, and hip strength before and after the preseason intervention. Pre- and post-test scores (mYBT anterior, mYBT posteromedial, mYBT posterior, and hip abduction strength) were compared to determine the impact of the tailored prevention program. Results: Six collegiate T&F athletes (4 female, 2 male) were included in analysis comparing screening results pre- and post-intervention. No significance was found between pre- and post-test for both dominant and non-dominant mYBT anterior asymmetry, mYBT posteromedial asymmetry, mYBT posterior reach distances, and non-dominant hip abduction strength. Dominant hip abduction strength was the only variable found to be significant (p=0.029, d= 0.731 mean difference=61.73 N). Conclusion: Dominant hip abduction strength significantly increased with completion of a tailored, preseason injury prevention program; however, no other changes were found.
First Advisor
Hanz Tao
Research Area
Physical Therapy
Recommended Citation
Almendinger, Courtney; Ireland, Brooke; Lemon, Aaron; and Sudbeck, Anna, "Effectiveness of an Injury Prevention Program on Division I Track & Field Runners" (2020). IdeaFest. 106.
https://red.library.usd.edu/idea/106