MAINTENANCE OF AEROBIC CAPACITY DURING RECOVERY FROM RIGHT FOOT JONESFRACTURE - A CASE-REPORT

Purpose: We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of continued training with deep water running (DWR) on the healing process from a lower leg fracture in maintaining aerobic fitness. Case summary: An elite male middle distance runner presented with a Jones fracture of the right fo ot. The patient opted for nonsurgical treatment. Non-weight-bearing im mobilization in a cast proceeded for 14 weeks. The patient continued t raining by simulating land running and team land workouts with DWR. DW R was the principal mode of exercise through week 24. Physiological an d race performance assessments noted a progressive and complete return to preinjury fitness and performance levels. Discussion: DWR can be u sed by competitive runners during a rehabilitative period to maintain fitness and does not impede the healing process. In developing a DWR r egimen, it should be noted that the exercise heart rate when working a bove the ventilatory threshold will be similar to 12 bpm lower in wate r. Relevance: DWR may be feasible for maintenance of competitive edge during lower trunk injury rehabilitation.