Browsing by Subject "Sports Physiotherapy"
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- ItemOpen AccessAccuracy of prediction of edurance running performance : relationship to training history, muscle pain and relative perception of effort(2014) Nunes, Dawn; Burgess, Theresa; Lambert, MikeBackground: Endurance running performance is a complex interaction between training factors, exercise-induced muscle damage, and fatigue. The accuracy of prediction of running performance allows for the consideration of the effects of teleoanticipatory factors such as pacing and prior experience on performance. However, previous studies have not adequately considered the role of predicting performance outcomes before competition, and the potential influence of self-regulated pacing and prior experience on running performance. Aim: The aim of this descriptive analytical correlational study was to determine potential factors associated with the accuracy of prediction of running performance during a marathon race. Specific objectives: (a) To determine whether there were differences in training history, pacing, muscle pain and the relative perception of effort (RPE) in three identified groups that accurately predicted race time, performed faster than the predicted time, or performed slower than the predicted time; and (b) to determine if demographic characteristics, training and competition history, self-identified pacing strategy, muscle pain and the relative perception of effort (RPE) were associated with the accuracy of predicting performance during the marathon. Methods: Sixty-three healthy male and female runners were recruited through a short message service (SMS), word of mouth and at the 2013 Mandela Day marathon registration. Participants were included if they were over the age of 20 years, and were taking part in the marathon race. Participants were required to complete the marathon within the seven-hour cut-off time. Participants who had any lower limb musculoskeletal injury, medical condition or surgical intervention that prevented training for seven consecutive days in the three-month period prior to the race were excluded from the study. Participants who reported any flu-like symptoms during the two weeks preceding the race were also excluded from the study. In addition, participants with any missing race RPE or pain scores were excluded. Participants were allocated to one of three groups depending on their accuracy in predicting their final race time. A margin of two percentage points was considered as a meaningful difference in time. If the participants’ actual race time was accurate within two percentage points of their predicted race time, it was considered accurate, and those participants formed the accurate group (n = 16). Participants on either side of the two percentage points formed the fast (n = 21) and slow (n = 26) groups respectively. All participants completed an informed consent form and a medical and training questionnaire at a familiarisation session before to the race. Participants were also familiarised with the tests and procedures for collecting data during the race. During the marathon, muscle pain and relative perception of effort (RPE) were recorded at 0 km, 10 km, 21.1 km, 30 km, and 42.2 km. A short compliance questionnaire was completed when participants finished the marathon. Official race times were obtained from the Championchip® website. Muscle pain was recorded for seven days after the marathon. Participants were also asked to report when they resumed running training after the race. Results Participants in the slow group were significantly younger (p < 0.05), had faster 10 km PB times (p < 0.01), and trained at a faster pace (p < 0.01) compared to participants in the accurate and fast groups. Participants in the slow group had faster actual (p < 0.05) and predicted (p < 0.01) marathon times (p < 0.01) compared to participants in the accurate and fast groups. There was a significant positive relationship between actual and predicted marathon times (r = 0.71, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between groups in muscle pain and RPE during the race; however there were significant main effects of time for pain (p < 0.01) and RPE (p < 0.01) during the race. Muscle pain and RPE were significantly increased at 21 km, 30 km, and 42.2 km, compared to pre-race values. There were no significant differences in post-race pain between groups, but there was a significant main effect of time (p < 0.01) as muscle pain was significantly elevated for three days after the race. This study was also unable to identify any significant demographic, training and competition history, or race factors associated with the accuracy of prediction of marathon performance. Conclusion: Linear increases in muscle pain and RPE were observed during the race in all groups. This study was unable to identify specific factors associated with the accuracy of prediction of running performance during a marathon race. However, it is possible that the slow marathon times and the low relative exercise intensity in all groups may have limited the effects of muscle pain and RPE on self-regulated pacing and performance. Future studies should have more stringent inclusion criteria to ensure runners are competing at moderate to high relative exercise intensities. In addition, future studies should carefully consider route profiles to ensure that the race profile does not potentially confound the accuracy of prediction of performance by limiting actual marathon times.
- ItemOpen AccessAccuracy of the prediction of Ironman performance : relationship to training history, muscle pain and relative perception of effort during, and recovery after the race(2010) Spijkerman, Ronel; Lambert, Mike; Burgess, TheresaWith regards to swimming, cycling and running, several studies have investigated the physiological and genetic contribution of performance in athletes, different training programs and athletes' adaptation to these programs. Other studies have investigated levels of pain and relative perception of effort (RPE) and the athlete's ability to recover after endurance races... The aim of this thesis is to review the literture which discusses the background to the questions outlined above (Chapter 2), followed by a study which attempts to answer these questions (Chapter 3). The aim of the study was to establish whether the training methods in preparation for the Ironman were related to subjective pain and perception of effort during the race, and the recovery time after the race. The study was designed to establish whether there were differences in these variables between triathletes who predicted their finishing time accurately compared to those triathletes wo under-or over-predicted their performance.
- ItemOpen AccessArnica and the treatment of soft tissue trauma(2002) Bauer, Cynthia MoiraWord processed copy. Bibliography: leaf 42.
- ItemOpen AccessBone stress injuries in the lower back of cricket fast bowlers(2003) Millson, Helen; Lambert, Mike
- ItemOpen AccessA comparison between the effects of hamstring static stretching and active warm-up on range of motion and performance(2006) Beukes, Phillo; Schwellnus, Martin; Lambert, MikeIncludes bibliographical references.
- ItemOpen AccessA cross sectional study to determine whether there are central nervous system changes in football players who have sustained recurrent lateral ankle injuries using the laterality judgement task, two point discrimination test and limb perception testing(2016) Jakoet, Rashaad; Parker, Romy; Burgess, TheresaBackground: A chronic ankle sprain injury is a condition that affects professional, amateur and social football players globally. Despite a large amount of research into the medical management of this condition, it remains one of the most frequently experienced injuries in professional football. A previous ankle sprain is a recognised risk factor for future lateral ankle sprain injury. No previous study has investigated the effects of chronic lateral ankle sprains on the cortical representation of the ankle in the brain. Aim: To determine if there are any changes in the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices of football players who have a history of recurrent ankle sprain injuries Methods: 25 professional male football players (13 previously injured, 12 noninjured) with an average age of 24.9y (+/- 4.49y) from a national first division club were recruited for the study. . All players included in the study completed an informed consent form before participation in the study and were declared fit to play by the clubs medical staff. Player demographics and training history were collected by means of a questionnaire followed by anthropometric measurements being taken. Tests used in the assessment of complex regional pain syndrome (Laterality Judgement Task recognition, two point discrimination and limb perception drawing) were used to assess for cortical representation changes in both limbs of injured players and uninjured players.
- ItemOpen AccessDifference in the prevalence of lower limb injuries in classical ballet dancers with and without lumbar-pelvic stability(2005) Swart, Michelle; Lambert, MikeThe grace and ease with which a dancer entertains an audience is deceptive with respect to the sweat and tears shed to achieve such elegance of movement. Ballet demands great flexibility and strength. This is showcased as a story told through movement, full of emotion and expressed to music. As a physiotherapist on watches a ballet in absolute awe of the stresses the human body has to endure. What adaptations are necessary within the musculoskeletal system to allow such movement? Do these adaptations lead to injury?
- ItemOpen AccessDifferences in five kilometer time trial performance during the recovery period after an ultramarathon race(2013) Benney, Tamlyn; Burgess, Theresa; Lambert, MikeAthletes require an appropriate balance between training, competition stress and recovery to achieve maximal performance. Previous studies have shown that exercise induced muscle damage has a negative influence on endurance running performance, and that these negative effects may be mediated by an increased perception of effort. There is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of ultramarathon distance races on running performance, and the optimal duration of the recovery period before returning to competitive running. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in running performance during the recovery period after an ultramarathon race. The specific objectives were: (a) to determine differences in running performance between the experimental group (runners participating in the 2011 Comrades Marathon) and a control group (distance runners not taking part in the 2011 Comrades Marathon) during the recovery period after an ultramarathon race; (b) to determine the differences in muscle pain, heart rate and perception of effort during a 5 km time trial between groups and over time before, and during the recovery period after an ultramarathon race; and (c) to determine if there were any relationships between prior experience, training history, and running performance during the recovery period following an ultramarathon race.
- ItemOpen AccessThe effect of a hamstring contract-relax-agonist-contract intervention on sprint and agility performance in moderately active males(2012) Vadachalan,Timothy; Burgess, Theresa; Jelsma, JenniferBackground: The demands of modern day sport require athletes to reach their optimal sporting performance. Flexibility is an important component of exercise performance. The high incidence of hamstring strain injuries in various sporting codes has been linked to reduced hamstring flexibility. Stretching has been used as the primary method to improve or maintain flexibility as a prophylactic prevention of muscle strains in many sporting codes. While a variety of stretching techniques exist, contract-relax-agonist-contract (CRAC) stretching, a type of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching, appears to induce greater flexibility improvements than other forms of stretching. However, the effectiveness of this stretch as a method of enhancing agility and sprint performance, as functional measures of athletic performance, has yet to be determined. Objective: To determine the effect of hamstring contract-relax-agonist-contract stretch on flexibility, agility and sprint performance as functional measures of muscle performance in moderately active adult males. Methods: Forty healthy male volunteers between the ages of 21 and 35 years, who performed between three and five hours of physical activity per week were recruited for this study, which had a true experimental design. Participants provided written informed consent, and completed medical- and exercise-related questionnaires. Body mass, stature and body mass index were measured. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which received the CRAC intervention, or the control group, which did not receive CRAC intervention. Participants attended a total of three testing sessions. During the first session, hamstring flexibility and sprint and agility times were measured. In the second session, pre- and post-CRAC hamstring flexibility was measured and the best of twotimed trials was recorded for the sprint and agility tests. During the final testing session, pre-CRAC hamstring flexibility was recorded and following a standardised warm-up, post-CRAC hamstring flexibility was measured at specifically timed intervals (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 15, and 20 min) on a randomly selected leg (referred to as the "thixotropy" leg). The hamstring flexibility of the opposite leg (the "control" leg) was measured at 0 and 20 min only. A standardised warm-up was performed prior to the hamstring CRAC stretch in all testing sessions. During testing sessions, participants in the control group were asked to rest in supine lying for 6 min, which was equivalent to the time taken to perform the CRAC stretch for participants in the experimental group following the warm-up. Results: There was a significant difference between groups in body mass (p = 0.02), with participants in the experimental group (n = 20) having a significantly higher body mass, compared to participants in the control group (n = 20). There were no significant differences between groups for any other descriptive variables. There was a significant increased percentage change in hamstring flexibility of the experimental group, compared to the control group (p <.001). No significant differences were found in the percentage of change of agility, best 10 m or best 25 m sprint times between groups. There was a significant difference between groups with repeated flexibility measurements conducted over regularly timed intervals (F(7, 266) = 38.95; p <.001). Hamstring flexibility remained significantly increased for the duration of 8 min in the experimental group post-CRAC stretch, compared to the control group (p <.001). There were no significant differences between the knee extension angles of the "thixotropic" and "control" leg in the experimental and control groups at the 20 minute interval when compared to baseline knee extension angles within each group. Conclusion: Hamstring flexibility was significantly increased for up to 8 min following the CRAC stretch. However, the CRAC stretch was ineffective in enhancing agility and sprint performance. The need for further research into the use of CRAC stretching as a method of functional performance enhancement was highlighted. There should be a standardised protocol of CRAC application, and future studies should determine the effects of chronic stretch adaptations following regular, longterm hamstring CRAC application on measures of exercise performance. This study showed that CRAC is an effective, time-efficient method of stretching that does not have a detrimental effect on exercise performance.
- ItemOpen AccessThe effect of high intensity training on the angle-torque relationship of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in a group of well-trained cyclists(2008) Rösemann, Christel; Lambert, MikeIncludes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-74).
- ItemOpen AccessThe effect of medial patellar taping on pain, strength and neuromuscular recruitment in subjects with and without patellofemoral pain(2003) Brown, Janet; Gray, Janine; Harley, YolandePatellofemoral disorders are amongst the most common clinical conditions encountered in the sporting and general population [8, 33, 68]. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is usually described as diffuse, peripatellar, anterior knee pain [8, 61].
- ItemOpen AccessThe effect of shoulder pain on the neuromuscular activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles(2005) Oliver, Delphine; Gibson, Alan St Clair; Gray, Janine; John, Lester; Taliep, SharhiddNeuromuscular activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles in subjects with and and without chronic shoulder impingement syndrome. To examine differences in neuromuscular activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles in subjects with and without chronic shoulder impingement syndrome during an abduction movement of the shoulder.
- ItemOpen AccessThe effect of simultaneous application of contrast temperature therapy and intermittent compression on recovery following exercise induced muscle damage(2011) Holroyd, Wayne; Burgess, Theresa; Lambert, MikeObjective: To determine the effects of the simultaneous application of contrast temperature therapy with intermittent compression as a recovery strategy for the quadriceps muscle following exercise induced muscle damage in moderately active adult males.
- ItemOpen AccessThe epidemiology and risk associated with lower back pain in cyclists(2009) Marsden, Mandy; Schwellnus, MartinAims of this thesis: the research reported in this thesis consists of a literature review and two research parts. In the first research part, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, to investigate 1) the epidemiology and 2) the nature of LBP in cyclists, and 3) possible risk factors associated with LBP in cyclists. In the second research part, a case control study was conducted, to investigate the association between LBP in cyclists and 1) flexibility and 2) anthropometric measurements, and 3) bicycle set-up parameters.
- ItemOpen AccessThe epidemiology of injuries in competitive adolescent swimmers attending a Johannesburg swim squad(2016) Scorgie, Inneke; Burgess, Theresa; Parker, RomyBackground: Swimming is a popular competitive and recreational sport performed worldwide by all generations. Although swimming is associated with many positive health benefits, swimmers are at risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries. In particular, competitive swimmers may be at increased risk of injury, due to regular participation in demanding training regimes. Adolescent swimmers may be at increased risk of injury due to physiological and biological vulnerability associated with growth and development. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the epidemiology of injuries in competitive adolescent swimmers. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between injury incidence and potential risk factors in adolescent swimmers over a 24 - week period. Specific Objectives: (a) To describe the demographic and training characteristics of competitive adolescent swimmers; (b) to establish the incidence and nature of self - reported swimming - related injuries in competitive adolescent swimmers; (c) to determine if any specific intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors were associated with increased risk of injury in competitive adolescent swimmers. Methods: Twenty three competitive adolescent swimmers aged 12 to 18 years were recruited for the study. Swimmers attended a study information session and parents/legal guardians were emailed information sheets and informed consent forms. All participants brought signed informed consent forms from parents/legal guardians to the baseline data collection session. At baseline testing participants signed their own informed assent forms and completed the baseline questionnaire, anthropometry measurements, glenohumeral range of movement measurements, the Beighton score and glenohumeral and knee muscle strength measurements. Participants were advised on how to complete the electronic injury report and training questionnaire. A familiarisation trial - run of the survey was completed in the week following baseline testing. Formal data collection commenced two weeks after baseline testing. Participants were required to submit the injury report and training questionnaire on a weekly basis for the 24 - week study period. Results: The mean age for commencement of swimming training in both the injured and uninjured groups was approximately 7.5 years. The injured group had significantly decreased subscapularis muscle strength (p = 0.02) and significantly higher average training session distances (p = 0.04), compared to the uninjured group. Fourteen participants (60%) sustained injuries during the 24 - week study period. The injury rate was 22.4 per 1 000 athletic exposures (AE's). Sixty injuries were sustained in total; 16 were index, and 44 were recurrent injuries. The most common injury location was the knee joint (n = 20). The only factors associated with increased injury risk in this study were previous injury history (OR: 7.50; 95% CIs 1.02 - 55.00) and reduced percentage of time in breaststroke training (OR: 12.83; 95% C I s: 1.69 - 97.19). Few swimming training sessions were modified or changed due to injury, and the majority of injurie s did not receive any treatment. Conclusion The injury incidence of adolescent competitive swimmers attending a Johannesburg - based swim squad is high. In addition, the high number of recurrent injuries, the minimal adaptation of training loads in response to injury, and the low access to appropriate treatment suggest a lack of knowledge or poor practices regarding swimming - related injuries. Pre - season screening, specific to swimming, could assist in identifying weakness and potential risk factors for injury in this vulnerable age - group. Improving health literacy with education in swimmers, coaches and parents could reduce future injury incidence rates. Therefore, further research is needed regarding injury incidence, risk factors and training profiles of this population. Moreover, consensus regarding injury definitions and training loads in adolescent swimmers is needed to standardise reporting and to facilitate further research in this field.
- ItemOpen AccessThe epidemiology of injuries sustained by canoeists during the 2006 Isuzu Berg River canoe marathon(2009) Feher, Richard; Burgess, Theresa; Parker, RomyIncludes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 53-59).
- ItemOpen AccessThe epidemiology of injury and risk factors associated with injury in first league field hockey players(1998) Ferguson, Kerry Jean; Schwellnus, Martin P; Sole, GiselaThis study investigated the epidemiology of injury in a population of first league field hockey players during a playing season, establishing the true incidence (injuries/ 1000 hours) of injury, as well as the risk factors associated with field hockey injuries. Both the epidemiology of field hockey injuries, and associated risk factors, have not been well investigated on an international level, and no data on Southern African players have been published. A study population of 222 first league hockey players (males n= 111, females n= 111) from one particular region were followed over the duration of a hockey season (7 months). A preseason player profile questionnaire established player characteristics and training methods. A pre-season fitness assessment recorded the flexibility (sit and reach test), muscle power (standing broad jump), speed (40 m sprint) and endurance capacities (double winder) of all the players. Male players performed significantly better in the muscle power (p=0.0001), speed (p=0.0001) and muscle endurance (p=0.0001) tests compared to female players. However, female players recorded significantly better flexibility results (p=0.012) compared with male players. Player position influenced the results of the pre-season fitness assessment. Attacking players (strikers, midfielders) achieved significantly better results in the muscle power (p=0.0704), speed (p=0.0003) and muscle endurance (p=0.002) tests compared with defending players (defenders, goalkeepers). During the prospective study, an injury report form was completed for players that sustained injuries during the season. An injury was defined as physical damage that resulted in (i) a player being unable to complete the match or practise, (ii) a player missing a subsequent match or practise, or (iii) a player requiring medical attention. An overall incidence of injury of 10/1000 hours was reported for the playing population, with an injury risk of 0.59 injuries per player per season. No other study of hockey injuries has recorded the true incidence of injury. A number of factors were associated with field hockey injuries. The incidence of injury was significantly greater in matches compared to practices (p=0.003). The highest incidence of injury was recorded in the beginning of the season (month 2) (16 injuries/1000 hrs). Strikers reported the highest incidence of injury (11/1000 hrs). In certain instances, the player position could be associated with an injury to a specific anatomical area or mechanism of injury. For example, goalkeepers sustained significantly more upper limb injuries than players in outfield positions (p=0.001), which can be attributed to the nature of their play. The activities of a goalkeeper include diving, and fending off the ball with their hands. The most frequently injured anatomical areas were similar to those reported in other studies of field hockey injuries, namely the fingers (1.6/1000 hrs), knee (1.4/1000 hrs) and ankle (1.4/1000 hrs) joints, and hamstring muscle (0.8/1000 hrs). The type of injuries sustained were predominantly muscle strains (2.4/1000 hrs), ligament sprains (2/1000 hrs) and fractures (1.7/1000 hrs). The most frequent mechanism of injury was tackling (2.3/1000 hrs). There was a significantly higher incidence of injury reported on artificial turf (13/1000 hrs) compared with grass (4/1000 hrs) (p=0.015). Players who discontinued hockey due to injury missed an average of four subsequent matches or practices. There was no significant association between past injury history, pre-season training, stretching methods, equipment usage and pre-season fitness assessments and the incidence or epidemiology of injury in hockey players.
- ItemOpen AccessAn evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle structure and function in endurance runners and low physical activity individuals(2013) Buchholtz, Kim; Burgess, Theresa; Lambert, Mike; Bosch, AndrewDistance running has become increasingly popular in recreational runners. The gastrocnemius is the main muscle used for propulsion in running, and may be at risk for injury due to its morphology. In previous studies, changes in the morphology and architecture of the gastrocnemius muscle have been evident following training, but it is unclear whether these changes are related to training or youth. Previous studies of runners have shown a decrease in gastrocnemius and soleus flexibility, as well as changes in the fascicle length and pennation angle. Gastrocnemius volume has not been compared in low physical activity and active participants. Physiological cross sectional area, based on volume and fascicle length measurements may also provide valuable information about the muscle’s ability to produce force. Ultrasound may be a useful tool in assessing potential training adaptations in the morphology and architecture of the gastrocnemius muscle. The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to assess the differences in architecture and function of the gastrocnemius in endurance runners compared to low physical activity participants. (a) To assess differences in calf function and flexibility between endurance runners and low physical activity individuals, and between male and female participants; (b) To determine differences in gastrocnemius muscle architecture and composition between endurance runners versus low physical activity individuals, and between males and females; and (c) To determine whether there are any relationships between training factors and the structure and function of the gastrocnemius muscle. Thirty participants between 20 and 45 years old were recruited for this study and allocated to groups based on their level of physical activity. The low physical activity group (n = 14) were not participating in any regular physical activity, while the endurance running group (n = 16) were running a minimum of 40 km.wk-1, and had participated in at least one full marathon (42.2 km) in the previous six months. All participants completed informed consent, a physical activity and training questionnaire, and a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) at the first session. The first session also included body composition measurements; ultrasound imaging to measure gastrocnemius length, thickness, fascicle length, pennation angle and volume; and familiarisation with all physical tests. Physical tests were conducted in the second session, including gastrocnemius and soleus flexibility, calf raise endurance and vertical jump height to assess the function of the components of the triceps surae. There were no significant differences between low physical activity and running groups for gastrocnemius thickness, fascicle length, pennation angle and gastrocnemius length. Gastrocnemius volume (p = 0.02) and physiological cross sectional area (p = 0.01) were significantly greater in the running group compared to the low physical activity group. There were no significant differences between low physical activity and running groups in flexibility or vertical jump height, although male participants had significantly decreased gastrocnemius muscle flexibility (p = 0.046) and significantly greater vertical jump heights (p = 0.01) than females. Calf raise endurance was significantly greater in the running group than in the low physical activity group (p = 0.03). Endurance running leads to specific adaptations in participants in both structure and function. While ultrasound appears to be a reliable measure for assessing architectural components of the gastrocnemius muscle in both active and inactive populations, further cadaver studies may provide valuable information on muscle architecture.
- ItemOpen AccessThe incidence of injury and exposure times of footballers playing in a professional football club in the PS(2012) Calligeris, Theodore; Burgess, Theresa; Lambert, MikeSeveral studies on European players at the elite or professional level have shown a high risk of injury. However, the studies used different data collection methods, making it difficult to compare results. This suggested a need to standardise the definition of an injury and method of data collection. There are no data on injuries associated with football in South Africa, which makes it difficult to develop an evidence-based strategy to manage injuries associated with football. Therefore, in an attempt to address the deficiency on soccer related injuries in South Africa, a Professional Soccer League (PSL) team (AJAX CT) was monitored throughout the season by the medical support staff of the team using the F-MARC data collection system devised by FIFA. The main objective of this study was to undertake a retrospective epidemiological study documenting the incidence of injury in this team and the exposure time (practice and match) of the players over a full season.
- ItemOpen AccessIncidence, prevalence and aetiology of chronic exercise induced lower back pain in runners(1999) Lewis, Grant; Schwellnus, Martin P; Sole, GiselaThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) in the running population and any initiating or aggravating factors. The aetiology of low back pain in runners was also investigated. A random sample population of 225 roadrunners were interviewed following the completion of six local road races. A further subgroup (n = 52) (LBP group as well as control group) of these runners was evaluated to determine if there were any biomechanical; muscle strength, flexibility and stability measures; as well as any training protocols which were more commonly associated in those runners who complained of LBP. Questionnaires were completed by 225 runners and a detailed clinical evaluation was performed to identify the incidence and aetiology of running-related lower back pain. Attention was focussed on the lumbar-pelvic muscles in terms of their flexibility, strength and coordinating ability as well as static biomechanical measures of the lower limb. LBP in runners was found to be common with an injury risk of 1.42 injuries per 1000 running hours. This running-related LBP seldom forced the athlete to stop running yet did affect running performance. It was associated with any increase in the running load. Hip flexor inflexibility on the left (p = 0.07); short hip adductor muscle length (p = 0.055), hamstring inflexibility (p = 0.09) and iliotibial band inflexibility (p = 0.036) on the right were found to be more common in the LBP group. The abdominal muscles were weaker in the LBP group when assessed in the trunk curl-up test (p = 0.0085) and the stabilising ability (p = 0.032) for this group was judged to be poor. Biomechanically, only a marginal difference was found between those with and without LBP (p = 0.077) with regard to the hindfoot and forefoot postures which were valgus and varus respectively for the lower back pain group. Lumbar intervertebral joints were mostly hypomobile (p = 0.004) in the LBP group. Adherence to a poor training regime (excessive running distances and frequencies) was associated with the LBP group. Attention to correct training patterns and adequate muscle control (strength, coordination and flexibility) is suggested to protect from this running-related LBP. Further research into a comparison of rehabilitation protocols is required to validate these findings.