Musculoskeletal loading and adaptation in novice runners

Running is a popular and feasible physical activity. However, with yearly injury rates in novice runners of 18-79%, it is also a risky form of exercise. Overuse injuries to the lower limb form the main component of injuries in novice runners. These injuries are the result of an imbalance between tissue loading during running and tissue adaptation.
The aim of my PhD research is to develop an integrated framework to relate loading of bone, tendon and muscle tissues to their mechanical properties and to the adaptation of these properties during a running program. This framework will then be used to identify risk factors for the developmentof overuse injuries. Tissue loading during running will be assessed using three dimensional motion capture, inverse kinematics and musculoskeletal modeling. Mechanical properties of the tendons and bones will be measured using ultrasound and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), respectively. A group of novice, recreational runners will be followed during a running program in order to follow the longitudinal changes in mechanical tissue properties and to identify risk factors for developing overuse injuries. Knowledge about risk factors for running injuries can be used to develop safe training programs and effective rehabilitation strategies.