Exercise Interventions, Running Biomechanics and Injury in Novice Runners

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of muscle strengthening and balance exercise interventions on muscle strength, running mechanics and postural control in novice recreational runners. Participants will be assessed before and after they engage in an 8-week exercise intervention program.

Official Title
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The Effects of Isolated Strengthening and Functional Training on Strength, Running Mechanics, Postural Control and Injury Prevention in Novice Runners

Conditions
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Running, Leg Injuries

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Strengthening
* Other: Balance Training
* Other: Stretching


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Novice recreational runners Less than one year of running experience Run at least twice a week for a total weekly distance between 5 and 15 km as your main form of physical activity 18-50 years of age Exclusion Criteria: Neurological abnormalities or lower extremity injury or pain within three months of enrollment. No extensive history with balance training or isolated ankle strengthening within the last year.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 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: Strengthening<br>Novice recreational runners from the Calgary area. | Other: Strengthening<br>* Participants will be asked to complete 8 weeks of isolated ankle strengthening at home.<br>|
| Experimental: Balance Training<br>Novice recreational runners from the Calgary area. | Other: Balance Training<br>* Participants will be asked to compete 8 weeks of functional balance training at home.<br>|
| Experimental: Stretching<br>Novice recreational runners from the Calgary area. | Other: Stretching<br>* Participants will be asked to complete a standard of practice static and dynamic stretching warm-up for 8 weeks at home.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Strength | Strength of the muscles crossing the ankle, knee and hip joint will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of training in order to assess the change in strength following training. | Week 0, Week 8 | 
| Change in Running Mechanics | Running kinematics and kinetics will be measured using 3D motion capture technology at baseline and after 8 weeks of training in order to assess the change in running mechanics following training. | Week 0, Week 8 | 
| Change in Postural Control | Postural control will be assessed using single leg stance and the star excursion balance test at baseline and after 8 weeks of training in order to assess the change in postural control following training. | Week 0, Week 8 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cumulative Running Related Injuries | Self-reported running-related injuries will be collected on a weekly basis for a total of 6 months following enrollment in order to quantify the cumulative amount of injuries. | Week 0 through Week 24 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Biomechanics, Ankle Strength, Postural Control, Running Mechanics