Injury and Illness Depicted in Running-Related Films

The perception that children and adolescents have of injury and illness may be influenced by their depiction in sport-related films. The objective of this study was to determine the depiction of injury and illness in a select number of running-related films. A sample of 31 running-related films were analyzed, with a total of 77 injuries/illnesses depicted. The most common injuries/illnesses depicted were categorized as exertional heat exhaustion/stroke (26%), lower leg muscle cramps/not heat related (12%), ankle sprain (9%), knee ligamentous/meniscus injury (6%), exercise-associated collapse/not heat related (6%), and blister of the toe/foot (6%). Overall, 48/67 (64%) of the injuries/illnesses were considered severe emergencies (injury/illness requiring prompt intervention and immediate discontinuation of sport participation). The disposition of 46% of severe emergencies was the immediate continuation of training/competition. Pediatric health care providers, coaching staff, and parents should stress the importance of injury/illness recognition/disclosure and realistic expectations for rehabilitation to pediatric runners.