A prospective study of iliotibial band strain in runners

Joseph Hamill, Ross Miller, Brian Noehren, Irene Davis

The purpose of this study was to investigate mechanical strain in the iliotibial band as a possible causative factor in the development of iliotibial band syndrome.  From a large prospective study, female runners who incurred iliotibial band syndrome during the study were compared to a control group who incurred no injuries. Strain, strain rate and duration of impingement were determined from a musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity.  The results indicated that the iliotibial band syndrome subjects exhibited greater strain throughout the support period, but particularly at midsupport compared to the control group. Strain rate was significantly greater in the iliotibial band syndrome group compared to the control group and was greater in the involved limb of the iliotibial band syndrome group compared to their contralateral limb.

This study indicates that a major factor in the development of iliotibial band syndrome is strain rate. Therefore, we suggest that strain rate, rather than the magnitude of strain, may be a causative factor in developing iliotibial band syndrome.

Clinical Biomechanics, 2008, 23(8), 1018-1025

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