Running analysis

A running analysis can be done in various ways: by eye, through video, running outdoors, indoors, with sensors, or using a pressure plate.
Unfortunately, observing with the naked eye provides the least information, but using a video allows you to play back the movement in slow motion and gather more details. However, most injuries are caused by stress on the body that we can’t always detect with the naked eye or even through video.

Research has shown that the biggest predictor of an injury is having had one in the past two years. This is because running patterns can easily adapt subtly, allowing you to keep running with minor pain or even without pain. Think of changes like shortening your ground contact time, loss of strength and therefore reduced absorption, or compensating with more impact on the opposite side. These adaptations tend to persist, putting additional strain on other tissues, eventually leading to overuse injuries.

What kind of strain are we talking about?

When running, you’re essentially jumping from one leg to the other. Every time you land, there’s an impact on your body. The higher this impact, the greater the risk of injury. This often relates to running technique. The body has the ability to absorb this impact, which is why it usually goes well. The better the body’s ability to absorb impact, the lower the risk of injury. This is connected to muscle strength and the coordination of muscle groups in the legs, hips, and core.

So: the amount of impact + the ability to absorb impact.

Additionally, the level of stability from the point of landing to the point of take-off is crucial, with the hips and pelvis playing a key role in this process.

How can this be measured?

Using an accelerometer on the lower back, scientific research has shown that a highly valid and accurate 3D running analysis can be performed with real-time feedback. The accelerometer measures the body’s center of mass and the changes that occur there. The impact (measured in G-forces) and the ability to absorb this impact determine the level of stress on the body. Additionally, the sensor can differentiate between the left and right leg to identify asymmetry in the running pattern.

A detailed report is generated from the collected data, highlighting the weakest links in the running pattern.

After a period of training, a follow-up analysis can be conducted to compare and determine whether there has been an improvement in the quality of your running pattern.