Acute Effects of Wedge Orthoses and Sex on Iliotibial Band Strain During Overground Running in Nonfatiguing Conditions

Effects of Running Speeds and Exhaustion on Iliotibial Band Strain during Running

Background: Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most prevalent overuse injuries in runners. The strain rate in the iliotibial band (ITB) has been theorized to be the primary causative factor in the development of ITBS. Running speed and exhaustion might lead to an alteration in the biomechanics that influence the strain rate in the iliotibial band. Objectives: To identify how exhaustion states and running speeds affect the ITB strain and strain rate. Methods: A total of 26 healthy runners (including 16 males and 10 females) ran at a normal preferred speed and a fast speed. Then, participants performed a 30 min exhaustive treadmill run at a self-selected speed. Afterward, participants were required to run at similar speeds to those of the pre-exhaustion state. Results: Both the exhaustion and running speeds were revealed to have significant influences on the ITB strain rate. After exhaustion, an increase of approximately 3% in the ITB strain rate was observed for both the normal speed (p = 0.001) and the fast speed (p = 0.008). Additionally, a rapid increase in the running speed could lead to an increase in the ITB strain rate for both the pre- (9.71%, p = 0.000) and post-exhaustion (9.87%, p = 0.000) states. Conclusions: It should be noted that an exhaustion state could lead to an increase in the ITB strain rate. In addition, a rapid increase in running speed might cause a higher ITB strain rate, which is proposed to be the primary cause of ITBS. The risk of injury should also be considered due to the rapid increase in the training load involved. Running at a normal speed in a non-exhaustive state might be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of ITBS.

Lower extremity kinematics during running and hip abductor strength in iliotibial band syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Iliotibial band syndrome is a common overuse injury that is twice as likely to affect female runners compared to male runners. It is unclear if there is a consistent running pattern and strength profile exhibited by female and male runners with iliotibial band syndrome.

RESEARCH QUESTION

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if any differences existed in lower-extremity kinematics and hip strength between runners who retrospectively, currently, or prospectively had iliotibial band syndrome.

METHODS

Papers included must have reported three-dimensional kinematic running data and/or hip strength data that were statistically analyzed between runners that never developed iliotibial band syndrome and runners with iliotibial band syndrome. Meta-analysis was performed for each kinematic or strength variable reported in at least three studies. Female and male runners were analyzed separately and grouped into three cohorts (retrospective, current, prospective).

RESULTS

Seventeen articles were included in this systematic review. Data from 10 cross-sectional studies were included for meta-analysis. Female runners with current iliotibial band syndrome exhibited smaller peak hip internal rotation angles and lower isometric hip abductor strength compared to controls.

SIGNIFICANCE

Although limited biomechanical evidence exists, risk factors for ITBS are different between female and male runners and may vary according to injury status. Specifically, transverse plane hip motion and hip abductor strength weakness may be biomechanical risk factors in female runners with current iliotibial band syndrome only.