Exercise-related leg pain and risk factors in inter university distance runners

Abstract

Context: Understanding the concept of prevalence and risk factors of exercise-related leg pain (ERLP) in distance runners. Aims: To find out the prevalence and in the seasonal incidence of ERLP in inter university distance runners. To investigate risk factors for developing ERLP. Settings and Design: The present cross-sectional study conducted at the track and field in Guru Nanak Dev University and other universities in Punjab. Materials and Methods: A total 70 athletes (40 male, 30 female) were participated voluntarily. Precompetitive demographic, basic anthropometric, training parameters and ERLP history data were collected from the initial questionnaire. Foot type and plantar flexor endurance were measured from each individual using navicular drop test, standard heel raise test, and runners were tracked throughout the session to note the percentage of in seasonal ERLP. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square and odds ratio was applied to find out the risk factors of ERLP. Results: Overall 48.57% male and 37.14% female athletes had a history of ERLP and 14.2% athletes did not have any history of ERLP out of 70 athletes. Among them 81.4% (57) athletes completed postseasonal questionnaire, out of 57 athlete's 42.1% (24) male and 28% (16) female athletes developed in seasonal ERLP, bilateral lower leg pain was the most common presentation. There was a significant difference seen between ERLP history (1-month) and body mass index (BMI) within seasonal ERLP (P < 0.02), (P < 0.04), as compared to 6 and 12 month history of ERLP. Conclusions: The results of the present study conclude that BMI and ERLP history (1-month) was the only risk factor for in the seasonal development of ERLP in distance runners.