Musculoeskeletal injuries and illnesses in the Spanish and French trail running teams during the WMTRC 2023

Abstract

Introduction

As a result of the recent professionalization of trail running, the epidemiology of injury and illness of professional athletes is still unknown. The aim of the study is to describe the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses among professional trail runners of two national teams participating at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships 2023.

Material and Methods

The study included 77 professional trail running athletes from Spanish and French National Teams that competed in the Championships. Data of injuries and illnesses were recorded in “Daily Medical Report on Injuries and Illnesses” form, designed according to the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee consensus statement.

Results

Thirty-eight percent of the athletes had an injury or illness; of them 22 % suffered an injury and 16 % an illness. Regarding sport performance, 24 % of the athletes suffered an injury and illness that affect their sport performance and 12 % had to withdraw due to a major injury or illness. By anatomical location foot is the most affected and hyperthermia and dehydration are the most frequent aetiology of illness.

Conclusions

More than one third of professional trail running athletes suffered an injury or illness during the World Championship and around one in ten were unable to finish the competition due to a major injury or illness. The principal cause of withdrawal is dehydration, followed by overuse injuries and acute traumas.