Which condition is associated with a higher risk of running injuries?

Excessive vertical movement, or "bounce," during running can significantly increase the risk of injuries. When a runner has a high vertical oscillation, they tend to waste energy in upward motion rather than in forward motion, which can lead to increased impact forces with each footstrike. This additional strain can lead to injuries over time, as the body may not be able to absorb these forces efficiently.

Furthermore, excessive vertical movement can disrupt the runner's balance and stability, potentially resulting in overuse injuries or acute injuries due to falls or missteps. Runners who exhibit this excessive bounce may also have underlying biomechanical issues that could contribute to further risks.

In contrast, mild pronation, neutral foot alignment, and proper foot strike are generally associated with more efficient running mechanics and a reduced risk of injury when running is performed correctly. Proper alignment and biomechanics are integral to maintaining good form, distributing forces evenly, and minimizing injury risk, making the choice of excessive vertical movement particularly relevant in the context of running injuries.