Foot core training to prevent running-related injuries: A survival analysis of a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Am J Sports Med. 2020 Dec;48(14):3610-3619. Taddei UT, Matias AB, Duarte M, Sacco ICN.

Background: Running-related injuries (RRIs) are a pervasive menace that can interrupt or end the participation of recreational runners in this healthy physical activity. To date, no satisfactory treatment has been developed to prevent RRIs.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of a novel foot core strengthening protocol based on a ground-up approach to reduce the incidence of RRIs in recreational long-distance runners over the course of a 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Recreational runners randomized to the new foot core strengthening protocol had a 2.42-fold lower rate of RRIs compared with the control group. Further studies are recommended to better understand the underlying biomechanical mechanisms of injury, types of injuries, and subgroups of runners who might benefit maximally.

See abstract.