The publication of Born to Run by Chris McDougall in 2009 led to a significant increase in the interest in barefoot running and its proposed benefits to runners.1 Initial interest was largely due to anecdotal evidence that suggested barefoot running encourages a more natural running gait, which in turn was proposed to better distribute impact…read more

The LaTrobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre (LASEM), and the Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP) at Edith Cowan University, have been chosen by the IOC to become the only Australian members of the International Olympic Committee Medical Research Network. (click picture below for more details)

Running is a highly popular physical activity with millions of regular participants globally.1 Compared with other types of sport and exercise, running alleviates many barriers to being physically active.2 It is easily accessible and convenient, making it an attractive and time efficient form of exercise. Regular running also provides numerous health benefits, both physically and…read more

Blog by Dr Ebonie Rio for Body in Mind. Original post at https://bodyinmind.org/exercise-pain-perception-headache/ Now the paper is actually called “ Has aerobic exercise effect on pain perception in persons with migraine and co-existing tension-type headache and neck pain?  A randomised controlled, clinical trial” (see reference below) and I confess I did have to read the title…read more

Many runners believe that wearing the wrong shoe type for the foot is a leading cause of running related injuries.1 This belief stems from traditional shoe prescription methods where running shoes are prescribed on the basis of matching shoe features to foot type e.g. motion controlled shoes to pronated feet. Unfortunately there is a lack…read more

It is a common belief amongst runners that static stretching (i.e. long holds of >15 seconds) decreases injury risk and improves running performance.1 Current research evidence demonstrates this belief is incorrect.1,2,3 Based on current research, stretching in the short or longer term has no impact on injury risk in runners.1 In fact static stretching prior to…read more

If you are an allied health professional in Australia, can you please spare 5-10 minutes and help us out. We’d love you to complete a short survey on how you treat Achilles tendinopathy. Link: http://j.mp/2xTYOW7   This is the saddest time in my yearly academic cycle. It is the day that is the furthest away from…read more

“When I was told that I couldn’t run, I lost a stress outlet and didn’t enjoy life.” – Jane Fitzgerald, Osteoarthritis patient Osteoarthritis (OA) is often seen as a barrier preventing an athlete from being able to participate in exercise such as running. Recent studies have shown that not only is this a common misconception,…read more

There are several reasons why people are turning to running for exercise. It has proven physical and mental health benefits. People who run frequently can live up to 3 years longer than people who do not exercise! More people partaking in jogging, running training and marathons than ever before and this is described as a…read more

“Having seen the devastating effects of Type 2 Diabetes on my father’s health, I was keen to do anything I could to prevent developing that condition,”- Professor Peter Brukner. Professor Peter Brukner, specialised sports and exercise physician, presented at La Trobe’s recent Running Science Symposium. He outlined the importance of diet for the running athlete…read more