LA TROBE UNIVERSITY Shin Pain Trial

GET INVOLVED…

We are seeking volunteer research participants to be involved in a study conducted through La Trobe University investigating the effects of different interventions in the management of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (shin pain a.k.a shin splints).

YOU MAY QUALIFY IF YOU:

Are between 18 and 45 years of age
Experience shin pain with running
Participate in running at least twice per week

PARTICIPATION INVOLVES…

If you decide to take part in the research, you would be asked to:

Commit to completing a strength program a minimum of twice per week (approximately 45 min) over 8 weeks; Strength programs need to be completed in a gym environment and can be progressively overloaded specific to each individual; If you don’t have access to a gym, you may access the facility at the clinic for the duration of the trial

Adhere to running program for 8 weeks, and record all running training via a Garmin GPS watch (a watch will be provided for the length of the study if needed); All running programs are progressive, and specific for each individual. They will progress and change throughout the 8 weeks depending on baseline running level and symptoms

Attend five data collection sessions; these are at commencement of the study, week 1, week 2, week 4 and week 8

Complete a questionnaire that will assist us in determining your suitability for the study, and some general information regarding relevant medical history

Location

The study is currently being conducted across two sites:

MELBOURNE

La Trobe University

Bundoora Campus, Plenty Road, Bundoora

**PLEASE NOTE THAT AVAILABLE SESSIONS IN MELBOURNE ARE: WEDNESDAY 1pm – 5pm; THURSDAY 9am – 1pm

GEELONG

The Injury Clinic

100 Fyans Street, South Geelong

**You will need to attend your data collection sessions ( x 5) on-site; Data collection sessions are conducted Mon – Fri, we will do our best to accomodate your schedule, but not all days are available at both sites.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…

I have shin pain when I increase my running, but it’s under control at the moment. Do I qualify?

Unfortunately, one of our inclusion criteria is around symptoms. You do need to be currently experiencing symptoms, and your pain need to be at least a 3/10 either during or after a run.

If you were to increase your running, or change your training and your symptoms were to return (and be at least 3/10), it is likely you would qualify.

Can I keep running for the duration of the trial?

Yes! The trial is conducted over 8 weeks, and whilst you will need to follow a running program, your running program is specific to you, based on your most rect 4 weeks of running and progressive over the 8 weeks.

Will I need to stop other activity like the gym?

As part of the trial you will receive a specific strength program that progresses every 2 weeks. So we will need you to stop other lower body exercises, but you can continue with your usual upper body strength or conditioning work. We will also get you to document your additional activity in a calendar.

Do I need to live in Geelong to be part of the study?

Absolutely not! You will be required to attend The Injury Clinic, located in Geelong for the data collection sessions at the commencement of the trial, week 1, week 2, week 4 and week 8.

But if you’re willing to take 5 trips to Geelong in 8 weeks, then we’d love to have you!