Stress Reactions of Division-I Track Athletes

Abstract

Problem: Track and field athletes, along with cross-country athletes have multiple and back to back seasons, creating overuse injuries. Stress fractures or stress reactions to the bone are the overuse injuries focused on in this study and literature review. There is a lack of information in the literature regarding stress reactions. Purpose:The goal of the study is to understand more information about stress reactions to bone and possibly increase the knowledge of health care professionals.Methods: Three case studies were examined through pre-existing medical chart notes and athletic trainer's notes regarding the stress reactions. A literature review was also performed to provide further information about stress fractures and stress reactions. Conclusions:There are multiple risk factors for stress injuries. All three of the athletes in the case studies are female, which is found to be a risk factor. Many risk factors need more studies to provide support. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was obtained in all three case studies where there was found to be a stress reaction. These three females also had a recent increase in activity level and had similar symptoms to each other and what is found in the literature.ii Dedication My thesis is dedicated to my athletes, family and friends who have been supportive, but especially to my grandmother who passed away during my time at Portland State. She was the strongest and most amazing woman I have known.iii Acknowledgements