Abstract
BackgroundAnterior knee pain (AKP) is the most common injury among runners, especially in females and young runners. Because of a deficit of rehabilitation services in under-resourced communities, runners train and compete with injuries, resulting in further complications.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and modifiable intrinsic risk factors for AKP among runners in under-resourced communities in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province.MethodThis cross-sectional study included a population of 347 runners from six running clubs. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 183 participants aged between 13 and 55. A standardised questionnaire determined AKP prevalence, and 12 physical tests screened for modifiable intrinsic risk factors. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used to analyse the data.ResultsAKP was present in 40% of participants, particularly in males (57.9%) and young runners (57.9%) with 3–5 years of running experience (31.1%). Anterior knee pain was significantly associated with age (chi-square [χ2] = 6.484, p = 0.039) and running experience (χ2 = 8.389, p = 0.036). The modifiable intrinsic risk factors found to have contributed significantly to AKP were: tight hamstrings (odds ratio [OR] = 1.021; p = 0.051); tight iliotibial band (OR = 1.1; p = 0.046); weak quadriceps (OR = 0.15; p = 0.040); weak hip muscles (OR = 1.13; p = 0.004) and patellar tilt abnormalities (OR = 1.33; p = 0.015).ConclusionAnterior knee pain and various modifiable intrinsic risk factors were found among these runners. These findings suggest that management of AKP should take into consideration the effect of these identified modifiable risk factors to improve management outcomes. A community-based rehabilitation approach should be considered, given the lack of resources in low socio-economic communities.Clinical implicationsThe results from this study make explicit the risk factors associated with AKP, particularly in runners from under-resourced communities. These are important considerations in the development of rehabilitation programmes to manage AKP.
Highlights
IntroductionLow-cost sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages worldwide
Running is a popular, low-cost sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages worldwide
Most participants presented with a normal body mass index (110, 60.1%)
Summary
Low-cost sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages worldwide. Runners experience injuries during training and/or competition that negatively affect their health and performance. The incidence of running injuries for the lower limbs ranges from 19.4% to 79.3% worldwide, with the knee being the most predominant site (Van Gent et al 2007). The most common symptom of overuse knee injury among runners is anterior knee pain (AKP), which is commonly caused by patellofemoral pain and patellar tendinopathy (Brukner & Khan 2013). Other less common causes may include fat pad impingement, synovial plica, prepatellar bursitis, quadriceps tendinopathy, infrapatellar bursitis and patellofemoral instability (Brukner & Khan 2013). Anterior knee pain (AKP) is the most common injury among runners, especially in females and young runners. Because of a deficit of rehabilitation services in under-resourced communities, runners train and compete with injuries, resulting in further complications
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