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.
Related topic guides
Protocols and decisions connected to 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).
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).
Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Sprint Interval Training on Factors Related to Endurance Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
PMID 41740126 (2026): high, intensity — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
Does Hypoxic Training Improve Running Economy and Performance of Elite and Competitive Middle- and Long-Distance Runners? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
PMID 42302183 (2026): does, hypoxic — Running economy, Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
The effectiveness of neuromuscular warm-up strategies, that require no additional equipment, for preventing lower limb injuries during sports participation: a systematic review.
PMID 22812375 (2012): stretch, stretching — 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).
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).
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).
Effect of neuromuscular injury prevention strategies on injury rates in adolescent males playing sport: a systematic review protocol.
PMID 37972948 (2024): stretch — 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).
Contrast water therapy and exercise induced muscle damage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PMID 23626806 (2013): stretch, stretching — Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
The Role of Footwear, Foot Orthosis, and Training-Related Strategies in the Prevention of Bone Stress Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
PMID 37649463 (2023): injury, load — Injury risk (study note for endurance athletes).
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Sources
- Effect of Strength Training Programs in Middle- and Long-Distance Runners' Economy at Different Running Speeds: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.
- The Effect of Strength Training Methods on Middle-Distance and Long-Distance Runners' Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.
- Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Sprint Interval Training on Factors Related to Endurance Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Does Hypoxic Training Improve Running Economy and Performance of Elite and Competitive Middle- and Long-Distance Runners? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- The effectiveness of neuromuscular warm-up strategies, that require no additional equipment, for preventing lower limb injuries during sports participation: a systematic review.
- 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.
- Explosive Training and Heavy Weight Training are Effective for Improving Running Economy in Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- The effect of strength training on performance in endurance athletes.