If you work with runners, needless to say, it's important to watch them run considering that running is a hierarchical skill. While a lot of people are intimidated & overwhelmed by the technology & available apps on the market, very rarely are they needed. In this guide, I will provide you with a simple & practical, evidence-based framework for performing a running analysis.
"The S's of Treadmill Running Analysis™"
STRIKE - FOOTSTRIKE
SOUND - SOUND OF CONTACT
STEP RATE - AKA "CADENCE"
SPEED - VELOCITY
SHOES - IMPACT OF FOOTWEAR
SLOPE - EFFECT OF INCLINE
SWING - SWING PHASE
SHANK - ANGLE OF SHIN @ CONTACT
STEP WIDTH - PRESENCE OF CROSSOVER
THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT MOST MEDICAL & FITNESS PROFESSIONALS SIMPLY DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO AN INSTRUMENTED TREADMILL. FURTHERMORE, I'VE CONSULTED SEVERAL RUNNERS WHO SOUGHT THE CARE OF A CLINICIAN OR FACILITY WITH ALL THE BELLS & WHISTLES YET THEY STILL NOT RETURNED TO CONSISTENT & HEALTHY RUNNING. CONSIDERING THE AVAILABLE LITERATURE ON THIS TOPIC IT'S READILY APPARENT THAT WE CAN APPLY A SIMPLE FRAMEWORK NOT ONLY FOR ANALYZING ONE'S RUNNING GAIT BUT ALSO FOR THE SAKE OF GAIT RETRAINING. I CAN'T WAIT TO HELP YOU GET DIALED ON CONDUCTING A SIMPLE TREADMILL ANALYSIS WITH EQUIPMENT YOU LIKELY ALREADY HAVE.
Chris Johnson is a Seattle based physical therapist, performance coach, international speaker, and multiple time Kona qaulifier. He graduated from the University of Delaware (UD) as a scholar-athlete and was the captain of the Men's tennis team during his senior year. He remained at UD to earn his master's degree before relocating to New York City to accept a position at the world-renowned Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine & Athletic Trauma (NISMAT). He currently resides with his wife & two kids in Seattle and is the founder/director of Zeren PT LLC, which provides physical therapy and performance coaching for endurance athletes.