Runner’s Analysis

Runner’s Analysis for Improving Performance

A Runners’ Analysis provides crucial information for runners, including:

• Information about your running style
• An understanding of your level of pronation
• An analysis of your leg and body movement to pinpoint areas that may be affecting performance and efficiency

The goal of a runners’ analysis is to find the right running shoe to make running more comfortable and efficient. Wearing the right shoe for your specific running style can help prevent future injury.

The information you will get from a runners’ analysis is important no matter how long you have been running. It is the only truly effective way to be 100% sure you are wearing the right running shoe.

Goals of Runner’s Analysis

The major focus of runner’s analysis is to measure the degree of pronation, which is the natural inward roll of the foot as the outside part of the heel strikes the ground. This roll acts as a shock absorber for the leg and body, distributing the force of the impact of the heel hitting the ground.

Overpronation happens when the feet roll inward too much; underpronation (or supination) happens when the feet don’t roll inward enough. A runners’ analysis matches the degree of pronation with the correct shoe type, with the aims of counter-balancing over or underpronation. As a result, this helps reduce the risk of injury and improves running efficiency.

A runners’ analysis involves running on a treadmill while a video is made of your feet. This footage is then analyzed in detail. Armed with the correct information, runners can then try a variety of shoes, selecting cushioning, structured cushioning or maximum support options according to the results.

As well as helping runners find the right shoe through assessing the movement of the foot, this analysis also looks at the leg and body’s movement to help the runner improve their efficiency. By slowing the video down and viewing the different running stages in detail, therapists can identify certain movements which may be triggering injuries or affecting running efficiency.

Once a runner understands their running style, gait and which type of shoe they need, they can be on their way to a lifetime of safe running.

At IMPACT Physical Therapy, we want the best for all of our patients. Our therapists are fully trained in runners’ analysis, helping our athletic patients get the most out of each run. If you are interested in improving your running technique and getting shoes that help you rather than hurt you, then contact IMPACT Physical Therapy today.