Abstract

Overuse injuries are frequent in triathletes, even though the combination of swimming, cycling and running reduces their incidence compared with running alone. Investigation of their aetiology and pathogenesis must take account of the movements required in the triathlon, the qualitatively and quantitatively different overexertion involved in training and the short thriathlon as opposed to the long triathlon, and the interaction between the three disciplines. A review of the overuse injuries sustained by the members of the Italian national teams in the years 1987-90 showed that the knee is the most affected part of the locomotor apparatus in athletes engaged in the short triathlon, and that the iliotibial band syndrome is the most frequent derangement. Running, cycling + running, and the switch from cycling to running were responsible for the very great majority of injuries. A prevention protocol is thus proposed in which account is taken of the training programme, the peculiar biomechanical features of some phases of the triathlon, and the technical equipment employed. Verf.-Referat