Gait Retraining May Reduce Risk of “Runner’s Knee”
New study reviews effectiveness of methods to lessen impact of patellofemoral pain.
New insight on whether “runner’s knee” may be preventable can help you support clients who are struggling with this condition.
Australian and Dutch researchers reviewed 13 research trials with various interventions. The review found “low-certainty” evidence that either wearing patellofemoral braces or retraining running technique (to run more “softly”) could reduce the risk of incurring patellofemoral pain by 60%–79%.
Interventions that did not significantly reduce patellofemoral pain risk included strengthening and neuromuscular exercise programs, foot orthotics, static stretching, and a progressive running program.
The research is reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2020; doi:10.1136/bjsports-2020-102973).
See also: Gait Analysis in Your Shoe
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
