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Jogging or colloquially “running” has recently become extremely popular in Poland. Nevertheless, Poles do not only practice jogging, i.e. running at a slow, measured pace. Long-distance and short-distance but fast runs are also becoming popular.
Running increases vitality and improves fitness
Running alone gives the runner many benefits: it improves physical fitness, allows you to slim down the body, and increases physical efficiency. According to scientists from Stanford University, running helps to slow down the aging process and increases the vitality of the body. Does it have its downsides though? Undoubtedly, it can cause problems with joints, although a responsible amateur athlete should know about it in advance and take appropriate prophylaxis.
The direct impact of running on human joints
Joints are unjustifiably one of the most important parts of the locomotor system, constituting connections between the individual bones of the skeleton. Running has a huge impact on the joints because they are the fastest to exploit, like machine bearings, under the influence of friction. It is true that the joints are covered with abrasion-resistant hyaline cartilage, but without proper prevention, even this part of the joint will not protect it from damage.
While running, tremendous forces are exerted on the runner’s joints when the foot hits the ground. Regular running, well-prepared workouts, and warming up before starting a workout: all of these help keep your joints healthy. Contrary to common and popular opinions, regular, daily running does not damage the joints!
Study conducted at Stanford University
Another study by the Stanford University research group showed that regular running can reduce the risk of developing arthritis. For 20 years, scientists have been observing and recording the results of a representative group of men: runners and non-runners. Among runners after 20 years, only 2 percent. symptoms of arthritis were detected. There were 10% of the patients in the control group. men!
Other studies by Berkeley researchers suggest that running may help prevent hip osteoarthritis, while also not affecting knee arthritis at all. This study was conducted on a group of as many as 75 runners. It’s hard not to take the results seriously.
When does running contribute to joint problems?
You should run responsibly, i.e. prepare for running, do stretching exercises and do not push your body beyond its natural strength. Routes should be extended with the duration of training, and before each run you should properly warm up your joints, paying particular attention to the knee joint.
It is also important to buy the right sports running shoes. It helps to cushion the run properly, which reduces the risk of later injuries.