Running on empty? An investigation of risk factors for running-related injury

Recreational running is among the most common forms of physical activity, worldwide, and has well-documented health and wellbeing benefits. A key barrier to participation in recreational running is the high incidence of running-related injury, which affects up to 79% of recreational runners within a six-month period. Running-related injury predominantly affects the lower extremity and is therefore a clinically relevant problem for Podiatrists. Historically, there have been wide reports of specific factors which make a runner susceptible to injury, such as atypical running biomechanics and static lower extremity alignment. 

In this presentation, Dr Benjamin Peterson will present the findings of his recent and ongoing research projects which have focused on identifying risk factors for running-related injury among adult recreational runners. What do we know already, what do we need to find out, and where do Podiatrists stand in the meantime?


Presented by:

Dr Benjamin Peterson

Dr Benjamin Peterson completed his PhD in Podiatry at the University of Newcastle, which was focused on risk factors for running-related injury among recreational runners. Prior to his PhD, Benjamin completed his Bachelor of Podiatry (2015) and Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) (2016) at The University of Newcastle. 

Benjamin has worked across a range of clinical settings including private practices, local health districts, and outreach programs. Benjamin is actively researching in the space of running-related injury, and has recently undertaken large systematic reviews as well as prospective and retrospective studies including hundreds of Australian recreational runners. 

Benjamin is currently collaborating both nationally and internationally on related research projects and also actively researches in the areas of musculoskeletal injury, sports science, and chronic disease. In January 2022, Benjamin relocated from NSW to Queensland to join CQUniversity as a lecturer within the Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) program where he has a teaching focus on podiatric biomechanics and lower limb musculoskeletal and sporting injuries.