An Examination of Step Frequency and the Running Readiness Scale as Predictors of Running-Related Injury in Collegiate Cross-Country Athletes

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between step frequency and the Running Readiness Scale and the occurrence of a Running-Related Injury (RRI) in a Division III cross-country team. Methods: Each athlete was screened prior to the season for their step frequency at a preferred and pre-determined pace. Additionally, each athlete performed 6 musculoskeletal tests known as the “Running Readiness Scale” to assess body alignment, weight distribution, and muscular endurance. Each subject logged their training and competition schedule and injury history throughout the season using the Otterbein Run Tracker app. Results: Sixteen subjects completed data collection for the entire cross-country season. Six of the sixteen sustained a RRI (37.5%). The results of the study did not show a significant difference between the Running Readiness Scale assessment between injured and non-injured runners in this sample. Conclusions: The application of this study to a larger population of collegiate cross-country runners is needed to assess whether step frequency and the Running Readiness Scale can be used to predict injury risk in collegiate cross-country athletes.