Prospective analysis of a homogeneous group of ninety-two well-trained runners quantified injury parameters in relation to objective gait measurements. A negative correlation was found between peak tibial acceleration and magnitude of rearfoot motion for specific injury locations, suggesting that objective biomechanical parameters may be implicated in, or conversely, may be predictive of running injury. Gait as a predictor of specific running injury may hold merit in the prevention of running related injuries and the industry of athletic footwear design. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between rearfoot motion and shock attenuation during running and their link to injury in trained runners. Rearfoot motion appears to affect shock transmission through the tibia in athletes sustaining specific injuries. Objective biomechanical parameters may be implicated, or conversely, may be predictive of running injury. This relationship has implications in the industry of shoe design and the prevention of running related injuries. Injury rate during the one-year study period was 52%. Injury to the lower leg (e.g. shin splints, stress fracture) was the most common, comprising 22.7% of all injuries. A negative correlation was found between peak tibial acceleration and magnitude of rearfoot motion in several injury groups (r2=0.35–0.65), suggesting a biomechanical mechanism influencing impact forces. Such a mechanism was not apparent in athletes not demonstrating injury (r2=0.00). Ninety-two well-trained, intercollegiate running athletes (forty women, fifty-two men) were prospectively monitored through biomechanical analysis, survey data, daily log and physician assessment. Subjects ran on a treadmill at 3.8m/s in a fatigued state. Rearfoot motion was assessed via coronal plane video (60Hz). Shock transmission at the tibia was measured using uniaxial accelerometers (1000Hz). Athletes reported injury, location and associated factors. A CASM qualified physician corroborated diagnosis. Outcome measures included the occurrence of a running related injury affecting the athlete’s ability to train or compete, frequency of injury location and diagnosis. Peak tibial acceleration and average range of rearfoot motion were quantified for each athlete. Pearson product moment determined correlation between biomechanical variables according to injury location.
