Kinematic factors related to iliotibial band syndrome in runners.

Kinematic classification of iliotibial band syndrome in runners.
Grau, S., Krauss, I., Maiwald, C., Axmann, D., Horstmann, T. and Best, R. Scandynavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2011; 21: 184 – 189. 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19903313

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common overuse injuries experienced by runners. It is generally thought to result from excessive rubbing of the distal iliotibial band across the lateral femoral condyle. Others think that fat pad compression beneath the tractus is a major causative factor in the development of ITBS. Several biomechanical risk factors have been suggested to contribute in the development of ITBS. Nevertheless, findings are somehow inconsistent and qualities of studies could be questioned. Thus, authors decided to conduct this study to investigate differences between healthy runners and runners suffering from ITBS with regard to kinematic characteristics.
18 healthy controls and 18 subjects with ITBS participated in the study. Following variables were analysed: hip flexion and extension, hip abduction and adduction, knee flexion and extension, ankle joint plantar flexion and dorsiflexion and rearfoot eversion and inversion.

Study found less hip adduction and frontal range of motion at the hip joint in runners with ITBS. Additionally, maximum hip flexion velocity and maximum knee flexion velocity were lower in runners with ITBS.

Due to retrospective nature of the study, results should be interpreted with caution. However, study provides clinically important information regarding potential strategies for prevention and treatment of ITBS. Authors recommend increasing ROM at the hip through stretching and massaging the iliotibial band and hip abductors. Treating myofascial restrictions, such as trigger points along the lateral thigh, at the piriformis, at the quadratus lumborum and at the gluteus medius muscles is another potentially beneficial treatment approach for athletes suffering from ITBS. In conclusion, authors suggest that these interventions should be implemented in daily training routine of each endurance athlete.

All rights reserved to the Scandynavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.