Effect of Strength and Coordination Training on Biomechanics and Injury in New Runners

The study will investigate the effect of a sequenced training program - beginning with strength training, followed by running-specific coordination exercises, and finally a gradual introduction to running - on strength, coordination and injury incidence in a group of novice runners. he investigators hypothesize that runners who perform strength and coordination training prior to beginning to run will 1) demonstrate greater lower extremity strength, 2) demonstrate alters coordination patterns and 3) experience fewer injuries, when compared to a control group of novice runners who perform no physical preparation prior to a gradual introduction to running. The possible long-term benefits of this study include reduced burden of running-related injuries, increased participation in the sport of running, improved cardiovascular and metabolic health characteristics, and reduced incidence of disease such as cardiovascular events and cancer.

• Strength and Coordination Training (Behavioral): Perform training exercises 3/week. Weeks 1-2: general strength (isolated muscle groups) Weeks 3-4: running-specific strength (multi-joint, upright) Weeks 5-6: power/coordination I (low amplitude/intensity) Weeks 7-8: power/coordination II (higher amplitude/intensity) Weeks 9-16: Run training. Each training session will start with a 10 minute strength \& coordination warm up. Group will gradually progress from mixed run/walk for 20 minutes to a 40 minute run.
• Walking (Behavioral): Perform training exercises 3/week. Weeks 1-2: 30 minute walk Weeks 3-4: 35 minute walk Weeks 5-6: 40 minute walk Weeks 7-8: 45 minute walk Weeks 9-16: Run training. Each training session will start with a 10 minute walking warm up. Group will gradually progress from mixed run/walk for 20 minutes to a 40 minute run.

Primary outcomes

• Running biomechanics [Change from week 0 to week 16]: Relative joint motions will be assessed continuously throughout the stride cycle using a vector coding technique.

Secondary outcomes

• Running injury. [Measured in days over the 16 week training period.]: Time to first running related injury.

Other outcomes

• Running performance [16 weeks]: 5km time trial at the end of 16 weeks training.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 60 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* No previous participation in running races
* Run less than 10km total in past year
* Able to run continuously (ie at least 5mph) for 5 min (so that biomechanical analysis of running form can be conducted)
* Female participants may not be pregnant
* Participants will be screened using the PARQ+ form, and Parmed-X form completed by a physician if necessary
* Cleared for physical activity through screening
* English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous (at any time of life) training of 3 or months of consistently running 3 or more days per week

• Sheryl Finucane, PT, PhD, CEEAA, Principal investigator, Virginia Commonwealth University