Smartwatches & running injuries: Study reveals surprising connection
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In recent years, the running community has witnessed a technological revolution. Smartwatches and fitness trackers have become as common on the trails as sweat-wicking fabrics. But as a new study suggests, this tech boom might have an unexpected downside.
A recent cross-sectional survey of 282 adult runners has unveiled a surprising correlation between the use of running-related technology and the occurrence of running-related injuries. Some 90% of participants used some form of running tech during their workouts, according to the study published in PubMed.
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At first glance, the results seem counterintuitive.
The core finding of the study was that runners who used technology showed a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing running-related injuries compared to non-users, with an odds ratio of 0.31 (p < 0.001). This means that non-users of technology had about a 69% lower odds of injury compared to users. Now who would have expected that!
However, before we start tossing our beloved Garmins and Apple Watches into the junk drawer, it’s crucial to dig deeper into these findings.
According to the study, runners who actively used the metrics from their devices to guide their training decisions didn’t show an increased risk of injury. Here’s we’re probably talking about metrics such as Recovery Time, Training Load and similar. This nuanced relationship suggests that it’s not the technology itself that’s the culprit, but potentially how we interact with it.
Are we pushing ourselves too hard?
As someone who’s logged countless miles with a smartwatch strapped to my wrist, I can’t help but wonder: Are we becoming too dependent on these devices? Are we pushing ourselves harder because of the constant stream of data, or ignoring our body’s natural signals in favor of hitting arbitrary goals set by an algorithm?
Who can say then never headed out for an easy run, and then saw themselves speeding up as a result of viewing the data sitting on their wrist. It happens far too often to me. There’s definitely a psychological impact of technology on our running practices.
For the running tech industry, these findings present both a challenge and an opportunity. The integration of biomechanical and psychosocial factors into running-related technology could be the key to enhancing injury prevention strategies.
As we lace up our shoes and head out for our next run, it’s worth reflecting on our relationship with running tech. Are we using these tools to enhance our running experience, or are we letting them dictate our every step? The answer might just be the difference between crossing the finish line strong or limping to the physiotherapist’s office.
While this study doesn’t definitively prove that running tech causes injuries, it does highlight the need for a balanced approach. As with any tool, the key lies in how we use it. So the next time you find yourself looking at your running split times, remember: sometimes the smartest move is to trust your body over your device.
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Well it’s correlation, people who use a smartwatch also push it and love the metrics and want to improve more their personal records so the more you push and increase your volume to beat your PRs the more you get in the limiar of injury 🙂
Yup, I’m guilty of doing exactly that!
same here 😛
that’s why i comment, same when they do those studies say who consume sweetners are the more prone to cancer and health problems because people who do it usually are the ones who are overweight and want to try to cut some calories so they are already closer to have a disease xD
Yup.:) For me, luckily I have not had any injuries from running. But do find myself constantly exhausted from pushing myself too hard.