Health and Economic Burden of Running-Related Injuries in Dutch Trailrunners: A Prospective Cohort Study

Luiz Carlos Hespanhol Junior,Evert Verhagen,Willem Van Mechelen

doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0551-8

Abstract

BackgroundTrailrunning is becoming very popular. However, the risk and burden of running-related injuries (RRI) in trailrunning is not well established.ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence, injury rate, severity, nature, and economic burden of RRIs in Dutch trailrunners.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 228 trailrunners aged 18 years or over (range 23–67), and was conducted between October 2013 and December 2014. After completing the baseline questionnaire, the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems was administered every 2 weeks to collect data on RRIs. Participants who reported RRIs were asked about healthcare utilization (direct costs) and absenteeism from paid work (indirect costs). RRI was defined as disorders of the musculoskeletal system or concussions experienced or sustained during participation in running.ResultsThe mean prevalence of RRIs measured over time was 22.4 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 20.9–24.0], and the injury rate was 10.7 RRIs per 1000 h of running (95 % CI 9.4–12.1). The prevalence was higher for overuse (17.7 %; 95 % CI 15.9–19.5) than for acute (4.1 %; 95 % CI 3.3–5.0) RRIs. Also, the injury rate was higher for overuse (8.1; 95 % CI 6.9–9.3) than for acute (2.7; 95 % CI 2.0–3.4) RRIs. The median of the severity score was 35.0 [25–75 %, interquartile range (IQR) 22.0–55.7], and the median of the duration of RRIs was 2.0 weeks (IQR 2.0–6.0) during the study. The total economic burden of RRIs was estimated at €172.22 (95 % CI 117.10–271.74) per RRI, and €1849.49 (95 % CI 1180.62–3058.91) per 1000 h of running. An RRI was estimated to have a direct cost of €60.92 (95 % CI 45.11–94.90) and an indirect cost of €111.30 (95 % CI 61.02–192.75).ConclusionsThe health and economic burden of RRIs presented in this study are significant for trailrunners and for society. Therefore, efforts should be made in order to prevent RRIs in trailrunners.

Highlights

Background Trailrunning is becoming very popularthe risk and burden of running-related injuries (RRI) in trailrunning is not well established
The mean prevalence of RRIs measured over time was 22.4 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 20.9–24.0], and the injury rate was 10.7 RRIs per 1000 h of running
The prevalence was higher for overuse (17.7 %; 95 % CI 15.9–19.5) than for acute (4.1 %; 95 % CI 3.3–5.0) RRIs

Summary

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 228 trailrunners aged 18 years or over (range 23–67), and was conducted between October 2013 and December 2014. Individuals engaged in trailrunning were invited to partake in the study via flyer cards distributed during trailrunning events in The Netherlands, and by social media channels, newsletters, and the MudSweatTrails (MST) website [20]. The flyer cards and additional recruitment sources guided the individuals to the project’s website containing further information and the option to enroll in the study. Individuals who agreed to participate through online informed consent, aged 18 years or over, reported running on unpaved surfaces on a regular basis, and who completed the baseline questionnaire were included in the study. A sample size calculation a priori was not possible because of a lack of information on the prevalence of RRIs repeatedly measured over time at the commencement of this study. The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Results

Discussion

Conclusion