Running technique analysis

Running styles are very unique to each individual. We can even identify someone we know by the way they walk or run. Why would we want to change the way you run?

Essentially there are 2 reasons that we would want to change your gait pattern or running style.

1. To run faster
2. To help prevent an injury or settle an existing injury

Running is quite complex and occurs naturally without thought. We actually run in the most economical way for us as individuals – that is our energy expenditure will increase if we change our style. There are many factors that do contribute to our running style. These include muscle strength, flexibility, our weight and height, range of joint motion and even the shape and length of our bones. Walking and running is learned from a very young age and modified throughout our lives as these factors change.

Running technique analysis may reveal subtle changes that can affect your performance or injury. At Sportsmed we analyse the way that you run in both a clinical and scientific manner. This is an integrated approach where the findings may be evaluated by several disciplines – i.e. podiatry, physiotherapy, and a chiropractor. The observation of your running technique may highlight areas that we need to investigate more and thus performing assessments on flexibility or muscle strength may be required.

If required different disciplines may provide input into the analysis and technique modification process.

How we analyse you running technique

First we review your running style using video to capture your whole body movement. Several camera angles are required and we also have a high speed camera to highlight super slow motion movement at up to 600 frames per second. Frame by frame analysis ensures accurate measurement of joint angles leaving no guess work in making assumptions about your style. We can measure factors such as trunk lean, hip flexion and extension, knee flexion and extension, contact points and limb asymmetries.

As well as this we can also capture information on your foot movement and foot loading through a unique system called Tekscan mobile. These paper thin insoles are worn by the athlete while they run and valuable information on factors such as time spent on each limb, loading through left and right legs, medial and lateral movements, and foot pressures generated at specific times. By synchronising this system with video means that we can precisely measure your running style like never before.

A report is generated for you that contain areas that require intervention or adjustment. This may be by simply strengthening specific muscles, initiating a stretching programme, and / or developing a programme that actually changes the way you hold your form when running. You will receive a video file of your technique before the programme and again afterwards to provide measurable outcomes. Thus you can see the benefits for yourself.

Running technique analysis at Sportsmed provides an integrated and scientific approach and is not like the Pose or Chi running methods. These methods apply the same changes no matter who you are or how you currently run. We provide several tailored programmes specifically suited to your injury, physique, and biomechanics. Contact us for further information about how you can benefit from running technique analysis at Sportsmed.