Training-associated musculoskeletal injuries in half-marathon runners marathon

Abstract

The marathon and half marathon are sports disciplines where the people who practice run a certain distance with the objective of reaching the finish line in the shortest time possible. The physical preparation for competitions is marked by a rigorous training work that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries predominantly in the lower limb, especially if they are not accompanied by practices to prevent the incidence of these injuries. The objective of this research was to determine the frequency of musculoskeletal injuries in a group of runners of this discipline and to implement a physiotherapeutic intervention based on early recovery and readaptation to their discipline preserving their health condition during physical training. Among the main results obtained are that Achilles tendinitis was the most frequent musculoskeletal injury found in these runners. The physiotherapeutic intervention was based on the application of physical agents such as magnetotherapy, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, high intensity laser as a preventive measure, decontracting massages in combination with combined interferential current- ultrasound therapy, pressure therapy in lower limbs to drain accumulated lactic acid. Bipodal-unipodal lower limb strengthening and stretching to increase flexibility and functionality of the runner. Obtaining a 31% decrease in intense pain and improved muscular performance to the maximum degree in 84.6% of the runners. Limited range of joint mobility increased to full joint mobility in 15.4% of the runners. There were no significant changes between the initial and final assessment of runners aerobic capacity and endurance.