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Ultramarathon Comprehensive Injury Prevention

  • Sports Medicine Rehabilitation (B Liem and BJ Krabak, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper aims to review injury prevention for ultramarathon runners during training, race day, and recovery.

Recent Findings

Injury prevention starts with a training plan that emphasizes a gradual increase in distance interspersed with speed work, long runs, strength training, and active recovery. Pre-race training environment that mirrors race day terrain and climate is preferred. Customized nutrition and hydration strategies are recommended. Further research is needed regarding various carbohydrate/fat nutrition strategies.

Summary

There are numerous reviews of ultramarathon running-related injuries, which often include discussion on symptoms, treatment options, and how to improve race day performance. This review rather focuses on recent findings in ultramarathon injury prevention including pre-participation screening, training recommendations, shoe selection, foot strike patterns, blisters, and environmental issues. Pre-race and race day nutrition is highlighted with a discussion on high-carbohydrate low-fat diet vs. low-carbohydrate high-fat diets. Prevention of gastrointestinal distress and exercise-associated hyponatremia are also reviewed.

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  1. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 3301 C St #1600, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA

    Alexandra Warrick, Jovauna Currey & Brandee Waite

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  1. Alexandra Warrick
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Correspondence to Brandee Waite.

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Warrick, A., Currey, J. & Waite, B. Ultramarathon Comprehensive Injury Prevention. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep 7, 186–194 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-019-00233-8

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