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In this month’s Latest Research episode, we break down five new papers added to the Run Smarter Research Library — including big updates on trail running performance, dynamic stretching, running stability, and emerging tendon therapies like ozone, collagen, and PRP.

Whether you're a trail runner, road runner, or someone dealing with a stubborn tendon injury, this episode arms you with the latest insights to train smarter and reduce injury risk.

In This Episode

Trail Running: What Predicts Performance & Injury Risk?

Paper: Analysis of Factors Influencing Injuries and Performance in Trail Running
Key insights:

Higher weekly volume, more elevation gain, more interval training, and structured recovery → lower injury risk
Sleep + passive recovery (massage, mobility, sauna, cold plunges) strongly linked to better performance
Taller runners had slightly higher injury risk
Prepared tissue = safer tissue
More training is protective — but only when recovery is adequate

Dynamic Stretching: Does It Improve Neuromuscular Readiness?

Paper: Acute Effects of Dynamic Stretching on Knee Joint Position Sense and Dynamic Balance in Recreational Runners
Key insights:

A 5-minute dynamic warm-up improved:
- Joint position sense
- Single-leg balance
- Neuromuscular “readiness”
Runners were more accurate with limb positioning and more stable on Y-Balance Test

Dynamic Stability & Running Economy: Why Variability Helps

Paper: Runners with Lower Dynamic Stability Exhibit Better Running Economy
Key insights:

More step-to-step variability (“controlled chaos”) = better running economy
Stability didn’t change with speed → suggests an individual running “trait”
Efficient runners aren’t rigid — they allow micro-adjustments

Ozone Therapy for Tendinopathy — An Emerging Option?

Paper: Oxygen–Ozone Therapy in Tendinopathy Management
Key insights:

May reduce pain, improve function, and support collagen regeneration
Early evidence only; protocols vary
Appears promising as an adjunct, not a standalone treatment

Porcine Collagen Injections for Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy

Paper: Porcine Collagen Injection Therapy Affects Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy in Athletes
Key insights:

Return to sport:
- Collagen + rehab: 57 days
- Rehab only: 72 days
Greater functional improvements in the collagen group
Still small, preliminary studies

Latest Research: Dynamic Stretching Benefits, Running Economy Insights & The Future of Tendon Treatment

The Run Smarter Podcast