Effects of Strength Training on Injury Prevention in Recreational Runners: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Effects of Strength Training on Injury Prevention in Recreational Runners: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15953126020114
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Palavras-chave: Corrida recreacional; treinamento de força; prevenção de lesões.
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Keywords: Recreational running; Strength training; Injury prevention.
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Abstract: Background: Recreational running is one of the most practiced physical activities and provides several health benefits. However, it is associated with a high incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly among novice runners. Strength training has been proposed as a preventive strategy, but its effectiveness in reducing injuries in this population remains uncertain. Objective: To examine the effects of strength training on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries in recreational runners through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025636048) and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials comparing strength training with placebo, stretching, or no intervention were included. Searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, and LILACS. Analyses were conducted in R using the metainc function, and the GRADE approach was applied to assess the certainty of evidence. Results: Six randomized controlled trials involving 1,443 participants were included. The pooled analysis showed no significant difference in overall injury incidence between groups (IRR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.54–1.03; p = 0.071), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 75.7%). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses found no significant effects of age, sex, or BMI. Evidence certainty ranged from moderate to low due to heterogeneity and imprecision. Conclusion: Current evidence does not support a significant protective effect of strength training on injury prevention in recreational runners. Future research should include individualized load prescription and comprehensive baseline assessments to better identify subgroups likely to benefit from strength-based interventions.
- Pedro Vieira Malachias
- Pedro Augusto Scarassati Vicentin
- Freddy Beretta Marcondes
- André Luis Lugnani de Andrade