The GRONORUN study: is a gradual training program for novice runners effective in preventing running related injuries? A randomized controlled trial.

The positive effects of exercise on health and well-being are described at length. There is a need for people to become active, especially in our inactive and overweight times. A popular and challenging type of exercise is running. In the Netherlands, millions of people are running or trying to start running. Health benefits notwithstanding, concerns have been raised about the high incidence of overuse running injuries.

There is no scientific evidence on training programs for the novice runner, and there is inconsistent evidence on what is causing the burden of overuse running injury.

The purpose of this research project is to obtain practical and valuable information on a newly developed gradual '10% training program' for the novice runner to prevent running injuries and consequentially drop outs. Negative experiences (injuries) that occur during training for a running event have the potential to significantly affect future physical activity. Therefore, the prevention of running related injuries is important. In the long follow-up period, valuable information will be gathered for a better understanding of modifiable risk factors in running-related overuse injuries.

The results of this study will be implemented on existing training protocols. Results on risk factors will be implemented by runners, coaches, physiotherapists, sports physicians and general practitioners.
It also warrants further research on clinical and preventive measures to reduce the incidence of overuse injuries and the clinical treatment after sustaining an overuse injury.

A more gradual training program for novice runners, will result in a reduction of running related injuries in novice runners.

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A gradual training programme lasting 13 weeks is performed by the intervention group according to prepare for a four mile run. The increase of running load is 10% per week (time). The control group will train for the four mile run using a classic training program lasting 8 weeks.