Special considerations for the pediatric running population

Abstract

Ever greater numbers of children are participating in running sports at earlier ages. These children will encounter many of the same problems seen in adults, but will also have many unique concerns. This article was written to provide information to primary health care providers on the differences in risks, injuries, treatments, and general health concerns of the pediatric running population.

Youth Distance Running and Lower Extremity Injury: A Systematic Review

“…The International Amateur Athletic Federation recommended that athletes younger than 14 should not run more than 3000 m [ 31 ]. Furthermore, the Australian Sports Medicine Federation recommended that runners ages 9 and under, 9–11, and 12–14 run in a competition distance no more than 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km, respectively [ 37 ]. The Federation also recommended that youth under 14 should not run more than three times per week and that training sessions should not last longer than 90 min.…”