Objective
To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of anemia in the long distance runners. Method: Subjects included 61 long distance runners and 40 control. The 61 subjects averaged 39.9±4.5 years of age. Long distance runners has been training for at least 6 months. Hemoglobin, iron, total iron binding capacity, reticulocyte count, peripheral blood smear, urine hemosiderin were evaluated. WHO criteria cut off value of hemoglobin for the diagnosis of anemia was used, 13 g/dl in men and 12 g/dl in women. Iron deficiency was defined as the percent transferrin saturation less than 15. The percent transferrin saturation was calculated by dividing the serum iron level by the total iron-binding capacity. Results: Anemia occurred in only 2.0% and 9.0% of the male and female long distance runners respectively and other laboratory findings supported diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. The percentage of iron deficiency anemia was lower than normal control. Iron deficiency was evident in 6.0% and 18.1% of the male and female long distance runners respectively. Conclusion: Recreational long distance runners were at no greater risk for developing a frank anemia than the non-exercising population. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2007; 31: 547-551)

Running is becoming one of the most popular leisure sports. Part of the growing popularity of running is its easy accessibility and health benefits. The incidence of running injuries rates ranges from 37% to 56%, which incidence rate is still 2 to 6 times lower than in all other sports. Most running injuries are musculoskeletal overuse syndrome of the lower extremity. The risk factors of running injuries can be training errors, improper running surface, worn shoes, body flexibility, prior injury. The knee is the most common site of injury and accouts for 25% to 33% of all, and pa-tellofemoral stress syndrome is the most common known as runner's knee. Iliotibial band syndrome, medial tibial stress syndrome, plantar fascitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fracture are common injuries in runners. The physical examination includes a biomechanical screening to identify related imbalances. Additionally, each runner is observed walking and running. This comprehensive, running specific approach to diagnosis can be helpful in developing optimum rehabilitation program. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2005; 29: 243-253)