Would you benefit from a running assessment?
Running is a very popular modality of exercise due to it’s benefits, low cost and ease of access (Jewell, 2014). It is a core part of human gait, and a key component of many sporting activities (Shorten & Piscotta, 2017). Running has significant health benefits, including reducing chronic diseases and mortality (see figure-1 below) (Jewell, 2014; Neal et al., 2016; Lee et al., 2017).
Figure-1. Benefits of running (from @kywynnephysio).
I have previously written a blog post on running injuries, delving into risks and possible recommendations to mitigate and address these risks. If you haven’t read this information, you can find it here: https://www.kywynne.com/post/running-injuries-why-they-occur-what-to-do.
The purpose of the article today is to discuss running assessments. A running assessment at Physiosports is a standardized, science-backed process to assess your movement, strength and running. The video below highlights a number of key components involved in a running assessment:
Key components:
Experienced Assessors: Assessment completed by physiotherapists with personal and professional experience in running, including formal training in running coaching, running assessment and retraining.
Movement Screening: Your movement will be assessed, including evaluation of possible factors which may influence your running gait.
Strength Assessment: A targeted strength assessment will evaluate the capacity of key muscles involved in running.
Running Assessment: A video gait analysis will be completed of your running.
Recommendations: You will be provided with a report, detailing the findings, including possible recommendations. If appropriate and recommended, modifications will be trialled with you in-session.
Who would benefit: All runners will likely benefit from assessment, however this process with definitely have value for the following individuals:
Returning to running: Have you had time off from running? A running assessment will aid your return, helping reduce risk of injury and assist you with maximising your outcomes.
Return from injury: Have you recently had a running injury and are looking to return back? This is an ideal to time review your running and associated movement.
Running “doesn’t feel great”: Are you struggling with your running movement, form or having regular “niggles”. A running screen may help determine aspects contributing to your difficulties.
Want to know more?: Are you someone who wants to know more and improve your running? This assessment is perfect for you!
The figure below highlights some of the studies which support running assessment and retraining in lower limb injuries (see figure-2).
Figure-2. Evidence supporting running retraining (from @kywynnephysio).
Ky Wynne
Physiotherapist & Exercise Scientist
References:
Jewell, C. W. (2014). Does Footfall Pattern in Forefoot Runners Change Over a Prolonged Run?.
Lee, D. C., Brellenthin, A. G., Thompson, P. D., Sui, X., Lee, I. M., & Lavie, C. J. (2017). Running as a key lifestyle medicine for longevity. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 60(1), 45-55.
Neal, B. S., Barton, C. J., Gallie, R., O’Halloran, P., & Morrissey, D. (2016). Runners with patellofemoral pain have altered biomechanics which targeted interventions can modify: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gait & posture, 45, 69-82.
Shorten, M., & Pisciotta, E. (2017). RUNNING BIOMECHANICS: WHAT DID WE MISS?. ISBS Proceedings Archive, 35(1), 293.
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