The Incidence and Distribution of Stress Fractures in Competitive Track and Field Athletes

Abstract

The incidence and distribution of stress fractures were evaluated prospectively over 12 months in 53 female and 58 male competitive track and field athletes (age range, 17 to 26 years). Twenty athletes sustained 26 stress fractures for an overall incidence rate of 21.1%. The incidence was 0.70 for the number of stress fractures per 1000 hours of training. No differences were observed between male and female rates (P > 0.05). Twenty-six stress fractures composed 20% of the 130 musculoskeletal injuries sustained during the study. Although there was no difference in stress fracture incidence among athletes competing in different events (P > 0.05), sprints, hurdles, and jumps were associated with a significantly greater number of foot fractures; middle- and long-distance running were associated with a greater number of long bone and pelvic fractures (P < 0.05). Overall, the most common sites of bone injuries were the tibia with 12 injuries (46%), followed by the navicular with 4 injuries (15%), and the fibula with 3 injuries (12%). The high incidence of stress fractures in our study suggests that risk factors in track and field athletes should be identified.

Effect of fasting versus feeding on the bone metabolic response to running

“…This acute response may be of significance to athletic populations as the net effects of changes in bone resorption and formation have been implicated in both stress fractures [20] and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) [21]. Additionally, the acute response of bone markers to exercise has been reported with both running [19] and cycling [15], and reduced spinal BMD (running and cycling) and an increased incidence of stress fractures (running) have been observed in some groups who regularly perform both types of activity [22][23][24][25][26].…”

Family History Predicts Stress Fracture in Active Female Adolescents

“…1,2 We have recently reported a 2.7% estimated lifetime prevalence of this injury in female adolescents, 3 which compares favorably with estimates ranging from 1.0% to 2.6% among general collegiate athletes. 4,5 Although these overall rates seem low, certain subgroups, such as college freshmen 6 and other young adult women participating in track and field [7][8][9][10][11] may have rates of stress fracture between 6.9% 6 and 21.1%. 11 Stress fractures are particularly concerning in active female adolescents and young adults because they may signify insufficiency of the bones to withstand repetitive loading.…”

“…4,5 Although these overall rates seem low, certain subgroups, such as college freshmen 6 and other young adult women participating in track and field [7][8][9][10][11] may have rates of stress fracture between 6.9% 6 and 21.1%. 11 Stress fractures are particularly concerning in active female adolescents and young adults because they may signify insufficiency of the bones to withstand repetitive loading. Although a "fracture threshold" is not yet defined for children and adolescents, ~80% to 90% of in vitro skeletal strength in adults is determined by bone mineral density (BMD).…”

Characterizing the Learning Effect in Response to Biofeedback Aimed at Reducing Tibial Acceleration during Running

“…Tibial stress fractures are common overuse injuries among runners [1]. Tibial stress fractures can cause significant disruption to training, a reduction in physical fitness as well as increased psychological distress [2].…”