Risk factors associated with a history of iliotibial band syndrome (hitbs) in distance runners: A cross-sectional study in 76 654 race entrants – a safer xxxiii study

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Date

2024

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Group

Abstract

Background: Despite the numerous health benefits of distance running, it is also associated with the development of ‘gradual onset running-related injuries’ (GORRIs) one of which is Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS). Novel risk factors associated with a history of ITBS (hITBS) have not been described in a large cohort of distance runners. Objective: To identify risk factors associated with hITBS in distance runners. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: 21.1 km and 56 km Two Oceans Marathon races (2012–2015). Participants: 106 743 race entrants completed the online pre-race medical screening questionnaire. A total of 1 314 runners confirmed an accurate hITBS diagnosis. Methods: Selected risk factors associated with hITBS explored included: demographics (race distance, sex, age groups), training/running variables, history of existing chronic diseases (including a composite chronic disease score) and history of any allergy. Prevalence (%) and prevalence ratios (PR; 95% CI) are reported (uni- & multiple regression analyzes). Results: 1.63% entrants reported hITBS in a 12-month period. There was a higher (p < 0.0001) prevalence of hITBS in the longer race distance entrants (56 km), females, younger entrants, fewer years of recreational running (PR = 1.07; p = 0.0009) and faster average running speed (PR = 1.02; p = 0.0066). When adjusted for race distance, sex, age groups, a higher chronic disease composite score (PR = 2.38 times increased risk for every two additional chronic diseases; p < 0.0001) and a history of allergies (PR = 1.9; p < 0.0001) were independent risk factors associated with hITBS.

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Keywords

Iliotibial band syndrome, Distance runners, Risk factors, Chronic disease, Gradual onset running injury

Citation

Marais, J.V., Jansen van Rensburg, A., Schwellnus, M.P., Jordaan, E. and Boer, P., 2024. Risk factors associated with a history of iliotibial band syndrome (hITBS) in distance runners: a cross-sectional study in 76 654 race entrants–a SAFER XXXIII study. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, pp.1-11.