The Democritus University of Thrace, under the Scientific Supervision of Professor Anastasia Beneka from the School of Physical Education and Sport Science (S.P.E.S.S.-D.U.Th.), coordinates and implements the Erasmus+ Sport Research Project “Start Aiming Functional and Entertaining RUNning (SAFE-RUN)”.
The SAFE-RUN project is based on an interdisciplinary approach, focusing on running and the area of “protecting athletes – especially younger ones – from health and safety risks by improving training and competition conditions.”
The milestone of the project is an innovative application that deals with the prevention and treatment of running-related injuries, developed mainly by focusing on:
- the importance of comprehensive training for optimal musculoskeletal function,
- the timely recognition of overuse symptoms, and
- providing educational guidance to recreational runners who train alone without any scientific supervision.
Site: https://saferun.eu
Purpose of the SAFE RUN project:
is to highlight the problem of insufficient scientific support for trainee-runners in their effort to exercise in their free time. By creating a tool that will help prevent and functionally manage musculoskeletal issues resulting from the lack of appropriate scientific supervision in the design and implementation of any form of exercise, the project partners will provide safety and effectiveness in recreational running while promoting health and well-being.
The project investigates the problems and proposes solutions, covering two scientific fields that collaborate and overlap with each other:
- The scientific field of functional exercise aimed at managing musculoskeletal problems through prevention and treatment
- The application of Counseling to the runner-user during the performance of the exercise to promote appropriate training by following the proper guidelines and not stopping due to health problems.
European project partners:
- European University Cyprus (EUC), Cyprus
- School of Medicine, University of Salerno (UNISA), Italy
- Hellenic Organization for Corporate Sport & Health (HOCSH), Greece
- Dro.Me.A Running Club, Cyprus.