Athletic Training Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a factor in lower extremity overuse syndromes in runners?

1. Poor footwear

2. Poor posture

3. Change in surface

4. Short strides

The correct answer is: Short strides

Short strides are not typically considered a factor in lower extremity overuse syndromes among runners, primarily because stride length can be inherently personal and varies significantly from runner to runner. Many experienced runners naturally adjust their stride length to minimize the risk of injury, often shortening their stride to reduce impact forces during running. In contrast, poor footwear, poor posture, and changes in surface are all significant contributors to overuse injuries. Poor footwear can lead to inadequate support and cushioning, increasing the chances of stress on joints and muscles. Poor posture can lead to improper biomechanics, which may place excessive strain on specific areas of the lower body during the running cycle. Changes in running surfaces—including moving from softer to harder surfaces or uneven terrain—can also alter the stress distribution in the legs, potentially leading to overuse injuries due to the body not being adequately conditioned for the new demands. Thus, these factors play a critical role in contributing to lower extremity overuse syndromes, while short strides do not inherently pose the same level of risk.