Article

Running has rapidly increased in popularity and elicits numerous health benefits,
including weight loss. At present, no practical guidelines are available for
obese persons who wish to start a running program.
This article is a narrative
review of the emerging evidence of the musculoskeletal factors to consider in
obese patients who wish to initiate a running program and increase its intensity.
Main program goals should include gradual weight loss, avoidance of injury, and
enjoyment of the exercise. Pre-emptive strengthening exercises can improve the
strength of the foot and ankle, hip abductor, quadriceps, and trunk to help
support the joints bearing the loads before starting a running program. Depending
on the presence of comorbid joint pain, nonimpact exercise or walking (on a flat
surface, on an incline, and at high intensity) can be used to initiate the
program. For progression to running, intensity or mileage increases should be
slow and consistent to prevent musculoskeletal injury. A stepwise transition to
running at a rate not exceeding 5%-10% of weekly mileage or duration is
reasonable for this population. Intermittent walk-jog programs are also
attractive for persons who are not able to sustain running for a long period.
Musculoskeletal pain should neither carry over to the next day nor be increased
the day after exercising. Rest days in between running sessions may help prevent
overuse injury. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and are now lean
can also run, but special foci such as hydration and energy replacement must be
considered. In summary, obese persons can run for exercise, provided they follow
conservative transitions and progression, schedule rest days, and heed onset of
pain symptoms.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS