• Unger JT

• Athletic Injuries
• Knee Injuries
• Osteoarthritis, Knee
• Running / injuries
• Surveys and Questionnaires

This study was conducted to determine whether differences exist in the beliefs of Austrian versus United States mountain runners regarding the potential for downhill running to lead to joint damage in later years. Research design involved statistical analysis of quantitative research gathered by survey form at mountain races in each country, and qualitative research via personal comments obtained from interviews with these runners. The survey form was designed to exclude situations involving muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness and, instead, to focus on joint damage. The information was gathered by a short survey form using statements and the Lickert scale administered to race registrants at mountain races in Austria and in the US Rocky Mountains. These responses were then subjected to univariate F-tests of the five dependent variables from the survey form. Statistically significant differences were found in beliefs, with the Austrians more strongly believing that downhill running can lead to joint damage than did the US mountain runners. Further research is indicated to determine which belief is more accurate.