Effect of Strength and Coordination Training on Biomechanics and Injury in New Runners

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators hypothesize that new runners participating in an 8 week strength and coordination training program prior to beginning to run will 1) display different coordination patterns , and 2) experience fewer injuries, compared to new runners who do not perform strength or coordination training prior to running.

Detailed Description
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The study will investigate the effect of a sequenced training program - beginning with strength training, followed by running-specific coordination exercises, and finally a gradual introduction to running - on strength, coordination and injury incidence in a group of novice runners. he investigators hypothesize that runners who perform strength and coordination training prior to beginning to run will 1) demonstrate greater lower extremity strength, 2) demonstrate alters coordination patterns and 3) experience fewer injuries, when compared to a control group of novice runners who perform no physical preparation prior to a gradual introduction to running. The possible long-term benefits of this study include reduced burden of running-related injuries, increased participation in the sport of running, improved cardiovascular and metabolic health characteristics, and reduced incidence of disease such as cardiovascular events and cancer.

Official Title
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Effect of Strength and Coordination Training on Biomechanics and Injury in New Runners

Conditions
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Injuries, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Strength and Coordination Training
* Behavioral: Walking


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: No previous participation in running races Run less than 10km total in past year Able to run continuously (ie at least 5mph) for 5 min (so that biomechanical analysis of running form can be conducted) Female participants may not be pregnant Participants will be screened using the PARQ+ form, and Parmed-X form completed by a physician if necessary Cleared for physical activity through screening English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: Previous (at any time of life) training of 3 or months of consistently running 3 or more days per week

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Strength and Coordination Training<br>The strength and coordination group will perform a progression of exercises utilizing body weight and resistance bands as resistance. Exercises include squats, lunges, jumps etc. typical of a normal strength training program. | Behavioral: Strength and Coordination Training<br>* Perform training exercises 3/week. Weeks 1-2: general strength (isolated muscle groups) Weeks 3-4: running-specific strength (multi-joint, upright) Weeks 5-6: power/coordination I (low amplitude/intensity) Weeks 7-8: power/coordination II (higher amplitude/intensity) Weeks 9-16: Run training. Each training session will start with a 10 minute strength & coordination warm up. Group will gradually progress from mixed run/walk for 20 minutes to a 40 minute run.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Walking<br>The walking group will be instructed to walk 3x/week, progressing from 30 to 45 min over 8 weeks. | Behavioral: Walking<br>* Perform training exercises 3/week. Weeks 1-2: 30 minute walk Weeks 3-4: 35 minute walk Weeks 5-6: 40 minute walk Weeks 7-8: 45 minute walk Weeks 9-16: Run training. Each training session will start with a 10 minute walking warm up. Group will gradually progress from mixed run/walk for 20 minutes to a 40 minute run.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Running biomechanics | Relative joint motions will be assessed continuously throughout the stride cycle using a vector coding technique. | Change from week 0 to week 16 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Running injury. | Time to first running related injury. | Measured in days over the 16 week training period. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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running related injuries