Muscle injuries in long-distance runners: A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle injuries in long-distance runners are among the leading causes of sports withdrawal, affecting performance, quality of life, and longevity in running practice. Intrinsic factors (biomechanical and musculoskeletal) and extrinsic factors (training overload, footwear, and surface) are directly related to the occurrence of these injuries. Objective: This literature review aimed to identify the prevalence, main risk factors, and preventive strategies associated with muscle injuries in long-distance runners, emphasizing their impact on sports performance and musculoskeletal health. Methods: A descriptive and analytical literature review was conducted based on national and international publications available in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Scopus. Articles published between 2018 and 2024 were included, totaling 15 studies. Results: The literature showed that the prevalence of injuries in long-distance runners ranges from 20% to 70%, with the lower limbs being the most affected, especially quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. The main identified risk factors include training overload, lack of periodization, muscle imbalances, and inadequate footwear. Studies also indicated that strength training programs significantly reduce injury risk, while preventive strategies such as training load monitoring, appropriate surface choice, and health education have a positive impact on reducing morbidity. Evidence reinforces that the occurrence of muscle injuries in long-distance runners results from a multifactorial interaction, requiring integrated interventions that combine prevention, early diagnosis, and proper rehabilitation. The implementation of individualized training programs, combined with educational measures and adequate load management, proved fundamental in reducing injury incidence. Although rehabilitation techniques have advanced, prevention remains the most effective strategy for maintaining sports continuity and long-term performance. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that muscle injuries in long-distance runners have a high prevalence and arise from both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, demanding a multifactorial approach. Preventive measures, particularly muscle strengthening and training load control, were shown to be essential for reducing morbidity and optimizing performance, thereby fulfilling the study’s objective.