Influence of High-Intensity Interval Running on Femoral Cartilage Deformation in Competitive Runners
Abstract
Competitive compared with recreational runners have increased odds of having osteoarthritis and running-related injury, which may be from engaging in different types of running. We compared femoral cartilage deformation in competitive runners following a continuous and high-intensity interval run and evaluated the association between running kinetics and cartilage deformation. Twenty-four competitive runners (11 females and 13 males) underwent ultrasound imaging of femoral cartilage before and after two running sessions that were one week apart in a counterbalanced order. Repeated measures 2 x 2 ANOVA revealed lateral femoral cartilage had greater deformation after interval compared to continuous running. Collapsed across conditions, medial femoral cartilage had similar deformation after running. Pearson correlation demonstrated no associations between cartilage deformation and vertical loading rate, peak ground reaction force, or impulse. Interval running may contribute to cartilage deformation through increased joint stress. Runners returning from patellofemoral pain should avoid high-intensity interval running to limit symptoms.