When Should you Start Running Again Following an Injury? | The Running Readiness Scale Could Help | Find Your Stride | Edinburgh Podiatrist

Introduction

In recent years, the importance of injury prevention in sports has become more prevalent, receiving considerable literary attention. A new paper by Luedke et al. (2025) "The Running Readiness Scale and Injury in Collegiate Track & Field and Cross Country Athletes" presents significant findings that could influence how coaches and athletic trainers approach athlete assessment, injury prevention and determine when athletes may be ready to start running again.

Returning to running too soon following an injury can set athletes back physically and mentally

Study Overview

The authors set out to investigate the correlation between the Running Readiness Scale (RRS) scores at the start of the season and subsequent lower extremity injuries among NCAA Division III athletes. With a sample of 113 athletes, the study reported an alarming 32.7% injury rate, sparking discussions on athlete preparedness and the efficacy of preventive measures in collegiate sports.

Key Findings

One of the standout findings from the study is the stark association between RRS scores and injury risk. Athletes who scored 3 or lower on the RRS were nearly five times more likely to sustain injuries compared to those with higher scores. This raises an essential question: how can athletic programs leverage such data effectively to enhance training regimens?

Moreover, the strong correlation between specific RRS tasks (such as the double-leg hop and wall sit) and injury likelihood emphasises the need for targeted physical assessments. This nuanced approach can allow coaches and trainers to implement tailored strengthening programs, thus enhancing athlete readiness and potentially decreasing the injury incidence rate.

Clinical Implications

From a clinical standpoint, the implications of using the RRS as a screening tool are profound. Not only does this tool allow for the identification of at-risk athletes, but it also promotes a proactive rather than reactive approach to injury management. By integrating RRS evaluations into pre-season training, athletic professionals can prioritise interventions that address specific weaknesses, thus fostering a safer athletic environment.

Limitations and Considerations

While the findings are compelling, the study is not without its limitations. The authors candidly acknowledge potential underreporting of injuries, which could skew the injury incidence data. Additionally, the homogeneous nature of the sample—comprised solely of NCAA Division III athletes—raises questions about the generalisability of the results to higher-level collegiate competitions or other sports disciplines.

Furthermore, the discussion on RRS tasks could benefit from more in-depth analysis. Understanding the biomechanical and physiological factors that contribute to task failures would provide greater clarity on how these tests relate to injury risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Running Readiness Scale and Injury in Collegiate Track & Field and Cross Country Athletes" offers valuable insights into injury prevention, underscoring the critical role of readiness in athletic performance. As the popularity of sport and exercise continues to build, employing evidence-based practices such as the RRS could revolutionise how coaches and trainers assess athlete readiness.

However, further research is necessary to validate the RRS across diverse athlete populations and to refine our understanding of its predictive capabilities. For coaches, trainers, and sports organisations, this study serves as a call to embrace innovative assessment methods that prioritise the health and safety of athletes while enhancing their performance I for one will be taking these findings into consideration when working with injured athletes.

Find Your Stride!

The Running Readiness Scale was developed by Dr Blaise Williams, it was tested by Harrison et al. (2023), the paper is linked here.