Outcome
Injury risk
Most injury risk comes from load spikes and insufficient tissue tolerance — manage both.
What to do first
- • Increase volume gradually and avoid sudden intensity stacking.
- • Add strength work for tendons and hips; keep it consistent.
- • Treat pain that alters gait as a stop sign and get assessed.
Top topic pages
Protocols + decision rules that move this outcome.
Study library (reference)
Studies that measured this outcome.
Effect of Strength Training Programs in Middle- and Long-Distance Runners' Economy at Different Running Speeds: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.
PMID 38165636 (2024): strength training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Effects of Strength Training on Running Economy in Highly Trained Runners: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials.
PMID 26694507 (2016): strength training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Workload and Injury Risk of Professional Male Soccer Players.
PMID 36293817 (2022): injury, load — Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
The Effect of Strength Training Methods on Middle-Distance and Long-Distance Runners' Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.
PMID 38627351 (2024): strength training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Training and Competition Readiness in Triathlon.
PMID 31035719 (2019): injury, load — Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
The Effect of Strength Training on Endurance Performance Determinants in Middle- and Long-Distance Endurance Athletes: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis.
PMID 40153564 (2025): strength training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Management and prevention of bone stress injuries in long-distance runners.
PMID 25103133 (2014): injury, load — Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Acute Effects of Dynamic Stretching Followed by Vibration Foam Rolling on Sports Performance of Badminton Athletes.
PMID 32390736 (2020): stretch, stretching — Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Heavy Resistance Training Versus Plyometric Training for Improving Running Economy and Running Time Trial Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
PMID 36370207 (2022): resistance training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Effects of Foot Strike Techniques on Running Biomechanics: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
PMID 32813597 (2021): load — Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
The effect of strength training on performance in endurance athletes.
PMID 24532151 (2014): strength training, neuromuscular — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Explosive Training and Heavy Weight Training are Effective for Improving Running Economy in Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
PMID 27497600 (2017): strength training, neuromuscular — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
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Strength training for running economy: what to do (without ruining your runs)
Evidence-informed protocol: Strength training for running economy: what to do (without ruining your runs). Practical steps, who it helps, and what to watch out for.
Effect of Strength Training Programs in Middle- and L… (PMID 38165636)
PMID 38165636 (2024): strength training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Effects of Strength Training on Running Economy in Hi… (PMID 26694507)
PMID 26694507 (2016): strength training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Workl… (PMID 36293817)
PMID 36293817 (2022): injury, load — Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
The Effect of Strength Training Methods on Middle-Dis… (PMID 38627351)
PMID 38627351 (2024): strength training, plyometric — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).