Runners with Osteoarthritis Sustain More Injuries Than Healthy Runners

Strategic Insights -

An observational cohort study of 7038 adult runners found that those with osteoarthritis were more likely to sustain running-related injuries (RRI) compared to healthy runners. The study, published in Physical Therapy In Sport, observed that 64.4% of runners with a disease and 56.7% of healthy runners sustained an RRI after 1000 km of running. Specifically, the cumulative incidence risk difference (cIRD) for osteoarthritis was 14.7% (95% CI: 9.0-20.4%) compared to the healthy group.

Key Takeaways:

  • 7038 adult runners were included in the study, with 6207 having no disease and 831 having at least one of the specified diseases.
  • The study observed that 64.4% of runners with a disease and 56.7% of healthy runners sustained an RRI after 1000 km of running.
  • The cumulative incidence risk difference (cIRD) for osteoarthritis was 14.7% (95% CI: 9.0-20.4%) compared to the healthy group.
  • A significantly higher incidence of running-related injuries was observed among adult runners reporting a disease.
  • Runners with osteoarthritis were identified as a particularly vulnerable sub-group.

Statistics:

  • 7038 adult runners were included in the study (Source: Physical Therapy In Sport)
  • 6207 runners had no disease and 831 had at least one of the specified diseases (Source: Physical Therapy In Sport)
  • 64.4% of runners with a disease and 56.7% of healthy runners sustained an RRI after 1000 km of running (Source: Physical Therapy In Sport)
  • The cumulative incidence risk difference (cIRD) for osteoarthritis was 14.7% (95% CI: 9.0-20.4%) compared to the healthy group (Source: Physical Therapy In Sport)
  • 1000 km was the mileage point at which the study observed RRIs (Source: Physical Therapy In Sport)

Sources:

  • (1) Runners With Osteoarthritis Sustain More Injuries Than Healthy Runners: an Observational Cohort Study. Physical Therapy In Sport, 2025;76:44-49.
  • (2) Churchill Livingstone, Journal Production Dept, Robert Stevenson House, 1-3 Baxters Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, Midlothian, Scotland.
  • (3) NewsRx. Findings on Osteoarthritis Detailed by Investigators at University of Gothenburg (Runners With Osteoarthritis Sustain More Injuries Than Healthy Runners: an Observational Cohort Study). Cancer Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 137.