Understanding ITBS in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Introduction: Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most prevalent overuse injuries among athletes, particularly runners and cyclists. Characterized by lateral knee pain, ITBS often results from repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, causing inflammat...

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Main Author: Alicja Grzelak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń 2024-12-01
Series:Quality in Sport
Subjects:
Online Access:https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/56734
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author Alicja Grzelak
author_facet Alicja Grzelak
author_sort Alicja Grzelak
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most prevalent overuse injuries among athletes, particularly runners and cyclists. Characterized by lateral knee pain, ITBS often results from repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, causing inflammation and discomfort. Despite its frequency, the mechanisms, risk factors, and effective interventions for ITBS remain topics of active investigation. Purpose of Work: This systematic review aims to consolidate current research on the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ITBS in athletes. By synthesizing findings from existing studies, this paper seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for effective management and rehabilitation strategies. State of Knowledge: Research identifies biomechanical abnormalities, overtraining, and inadequate recovery as significant contributors to ITBS. Advances in imaging have improved diagnostic accuracy, while rehabilitation programs emphasizing strengthening and flexibility show promise in recovery. Nonetheless, inconsistencies in studies and intervention outcomes underscore the need for standardized approaches. Material and methods: The research methodology involved conducting a systematic review of the literature, and implementing a screening process to identify pertinent studies. The investigation encompassed a thorough search across scientific databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Summary: ITBS is a complex overuse injury prevalent in athletes, requiring an integrated approach to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Current evidence underscores the significance of addressing biomechanical imbalances, training errors, and recovery deficits. While rehabilitation strategies focused on strengthening, flexibility, and neuromuscular control show efficacy, variability in treatment outcomes highlights the need for personalized interventions and further research to optimize prevention and recovery protocols.
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spelling doaj-art-b7a4e8d4e6484ce39c3b0efb48e3b7712025-08-20T01:58:11ZengNicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńQuality in Sport2450-31182024-12-013410.12775/QS.2024.34.56734Understanding ITBS in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic ReviewAlicja Grzelak0https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6951-6113Medical University of Lodz, al. Tadeusza Kościuszki 4, 90-419 Łódź, PolandIntroduction: Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most prevalent overuse injuries among athletes, particularly runners and cyclists. Characterized by lateral knee pain, ITBS often results from repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, causing inflammation and discomfort. Despite its frequency, the mechanisms, risk factors, and effective interventions for ITBS remain topics of active investigation. Purpose of Work: This systematic review aims to consolidate current research on the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ITBS in athletes. By synthesizing findings from existing studies, this paper seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations for effective management and rehabilitation strategies. State of Knowledge: Research identifies biomechanical abnormalities, overtraining, and inadequate recovery as significant contributors to ITBS. Advances in imaging have improved diagnostic accuracy, while rehabilitation programs emphasizing strengthening and flexibility show promise in recovery. Nonetheless, inconsistencies in studies and intervention outcomes underscore the need for standardized approaches. Material and methods: The research methodology involved conducting a systematic review of the literature, and implementing a screening process to identify pertinent studies. The investigation encompassed a thorough search across scientific databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Summary: ITBS is a complex overuse injury prevalent in athletes, requiring an integrated approach to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Current evidence underscores the significance of addressing biomechanical imbalances, training errors, and recovery deficits. While rehabilitation strategies focused on strengthening, flexibility, and neuromuscular control show efficacy, variability in treatment outcomes highlights the need for personalized interventions and further research to optimize prevention and recovery protocols. https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/56734iliotibial band syndromeitbstreatmentpreventionbiomechanicsathletes
spellingShingle Alicja Grzelak
Understanding ITBS in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Quality in Sport
iliotibial band syndrome
itbs
treatment
prevention
biomechanics
athletes
title Understanding ITBS in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
title_full Understanding ITBS in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
title_fullStr Understanding ITBS in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed Understanding ITBS in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
title_short Understanding ITBS in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
title_sort understanding itbs in athletes a comprehensive systematic review
topic iliotibial band syndrome
itbs
treatment
prevention
biomechanics
athletes
url https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/56734
work_keys_str_mv AT alicjagrzelak understandingitbsinathletesacomprehensivesystematicreview