Week-to-Week Changes in Running Volume Were Not Related to Risk of Sustaining a Running Injury in High School Distance Runners

🎙️ Podcast Summary:Science on Track – Week-to-Week Changes in Running Volume

Host: Evan O. Nelson
Guests:

• Dr. Mikel Joachim – Research Program Manager, University of Wisconsin

• Coach Jane Wheeler – Head Girls Cross Country Coach, Pleasant Valley High School, Bettendorf, Iowa

🧪 Study Overview

The episode centers on a research study titled:
“Week-to-week changes in training were not prospectively associated with injuries among Wisconsin High School cross-country runners” (published in Injury Prevention, 2024).

https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2024/07/31/ip-2024-045233

🔍 Study Purpose

To investigate whether week-to-week changes in trainingvolume (distance, duration, intensity) are associated with injury risk in high school cross-country runners.

📊 Key Findings

• No significant association was found between week-to-week changes in training volume and injury risk.

• Most runners in the study averaged 20–30 miles per week, with few exceeding 50 miles.

• Preseason training had a strong protective effect:

• Every additional 5K (~3 miles) run per week in the preseason reduced injury risk by 17%.

• Coaches’ day-to-day training modifications likely play a major role in injury prevention, even if not captured in weekly data.

🧠 Insights from theGuests

🧑‍🔬 Dr. MikelJoachim:

• Null results suggest that current coaching practices in Wisconsin high school programs are effective in managing injury risk.

• The study relied on daily text surveys during COVID, with athletes self-reporting training and injuries.

• Emphasized the importance of holistic athlete monitoring, including stress, sleep, and other sports participation.

🏃‍♀️ Coach Jane Wheeler:

• Reinforced the importance of individualized coaching and preseason preparation.

• Noted that injury risk is multifactorial, often influenced by training history, biomechanics, and external stressors.

• Advocated for flexibility in coaching and communication with athletes to adapt training in real time.

🧩 PracticalTakeaways for Coaches

• Preseason training matters: Encourage consistent summer/winter running to reduce injury risk.

• Small weekly increases (up to 30%) in training volume appear safe.

• The 10% rule is not strongly supported by evidence—coaches can be more flexible.

• Monitor athletes holistically: Consider stress, sleep, and other commitments.

• Build strong coach-athlete relationships to better detect and respond to early signs of injury.

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