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Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Problem Statement : Musculoskeletal injuries encountered by runners, especially during competitive sporting events like marathons and distance runs have a longstanding and significant impact on the well being and may result in a dip in the performance of the runners. They may be the cause of recurrent injuries in the future and can lead to complicated injuries, thus compounding the morbidity associated with initial injuries. In such cases, it is essential to allocate medical supplies and facilities based on the incidence of common injuries encountered by runners in the respective geographical and climate settings.

Approach : This cross sectional study was carried out among runners who participated in a long distance running event organized by a city running club in coastal South India. A semi questionnaire was prepared and the runners who visited the makeshift medical camp at the marathon site were made to fill the same. The responses were entered into a data management software, coded, and analyzed. Meaningful conclusions drawn from the results have been reported in the article.

Purpose : This study was aimed at analyzing the various musculoskeletal injuries encountered by runners during a distance run in coastal South India. This was done to ensure provision of adequate medical care and prompt management of the injuries in question in the forthcoming events of a similar kind. This will warrant carefree participation of runners and reduce the morbidity and complications linked to the injuries encountered during the runs. Moreover, the runners can be educated about the preventive measures that can be employed by them as primary prevention measures.

Results : 874 runners participated in the study out of which 79.2% were males and 60.2% participated in the 10 km run. Musculoskeletal injuries were noted in 10.8% (n=94) runners out of which generalized muscle cramps (n=33, 30.8%) were most seen. 66.1% (n=70) of the injured participants achieved their target for the race and 36.8% (n= 39) were happy. Dehydration was seen in 38.7% of the injured athletes. A significant association was noted between gender and the distance run (p=0.003) and distance run and injury (p=0.018).

Conclusion : Though not many runners were injured or dehydrated, there is a scope for improving their knowledge with regards to adequate electrolyte consumption prior to, during and after the run. Adequate prevention methods in the form of terrain specific training along with early medical rehabilitation will thus prevent morbidity.

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