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Matthew Boyd Physio

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Matthew Boyd / December 16, 2019

Running Marathons is Good for your Knees?

Running marathons gives you knee arthritis doesn’t it?

Well, a new study from The University College London suggests it might actually be good for your knee joint health!

Study

  • 82 sedentary adults taking part in their first marathon
  • Took part in a standardised training plan
  • MRI scan 6 weeks pre and 2 weeks post marathon

Findings

  • Some areas of the knee showed improvement in bone and joint health (tibia and femur)
  • Some areas of the knee showed worsening in joint health (patellofemoral joint, prepatellar bursa, ITB)
  • The menisci were unaffected
  • Nobody developed knee pain (measured with the KOOS)

Limitations

  • Doesn’t tell us anything about the long-term effects of marathon training
  • It is unknown if these changes in the tissues would actually manifest as changes in knee function

Clinicians 

  • Marathon training could have a protective effect on tibia and femur against osteoarthritis
  • May be tougher on the patellofemoral joint and the ITB
  • Study supports conservative management of meniscal tears in runners

Runners

  • Running marathons might be good for your knee joint health in terms of arthritis
  • It may be more problematic for things like the kneecap and ITB

Full Paper

Can marathon running improve knee damage of middle-aged adults? A prospective cohort study

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: Infographic, Knee Pain, Runner's Knee, Running Injury, Running Injury Prevention

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Disclaimer

I am a Registered Physiotherapist within the province of Alberta, Canada only.

Any online consultations with individuals located outside of Alberta will be in my capacity as a Certified Running Coach. I do not provide Physiotherapy or injury rehabilitation services to anyone located outside of Alberta, Canada.

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