Whether you're a seasoned runner or has just started running as a hobby, you will always be vulnerable to injuries. Spraining your ankles or stretching your hamstrings can cause a significant impact to your performance. While some people blame the terrain or the footwear, majority of the injuries are incurred because you are using inappropriate running movements that can place a lot of pressure to your feet, legs and hips.

 

Getting a running analysis before you start running and a few years after will help assess your body's movement when you run. Many people call this process as gait analysis, as it assesses your gait, or patterns of bodily movements during a locomotion, such as walking and running. There are no solid rules when it comes to running because each person has his own individual style and biomechanics. However, gait analysis further helps explore the potential of not just your feet and legs, but the over-all coordination of your body so you achieve the best form when you run.

 

·        Running analysis provides assessment of and recommendations for better running performance.

 

Running gait analysis assesses the body when in motion. Contrary to popular beliefs that this test only observes the feet and leg movements, it actually analyzes how the body moves along with the lower extremities. It looks at the entirety of the person's running techniques.

 

With that in mind, a running analysis helps determine how a runner can further improve his running performance, see what his flaws are and where his potentials lie. Every person has his own running strengths and a running analysis helps in fine tuning these strengths so a runner achieves his best running form. 

 

·        Running analysis helps prevent and reduce the risks of injuries.

 

Together with improving a runner's performance, running analysis also helps prevent and reduce the risks of injuries. Muscular imbalances in the body are often caused by over- and under-compensation of joints and muscles. For instance, when the runner's larger muscles such as the hamstrings and quadriceps are less active, the smaller ones take the bulk of the work. Overtime, these smaller muscles become worn out and it's only a matter of time when injury occurs.

 

Running analysis provides a visual image of the work done by your muscles when you run. By assessing the movements of your muscles, a trained professional will be able to point out the flaws that may increase your risks for injuries.

 

 

·        Modern gait analyses provide scientific and evidenced-based running assessment.

 

To conduct a running analysis, the runner is asked to wear a special running gear in which bright lights are connected to the computer. The runner is then asked to run on the treadmill in varying speeds and inclination.

 

The movements are recorded by cameras placed around the room so that the runner is shot in several angles. These images are also relayed to a nearby computer where special running analysis software is installed and used.

 

Using advanced technology, running analysis is not mere than just visual observation of the runner's foot work. Instead, the analysis drawn from the activity is evidenced-based, allowing the consultant to point out the strengths and faults of your running form and how you can further improve or correct them.

 

After the consultation and analysis, the consultant may then proceed to demonstrating corrective measures to your running style. He may suggest stretching and warm-up exercises that will further improve your performance and reduce the risks of injuries.

 

·        Assessment with a trained professional helps you choose proper running gear.

 

Several running gear companies also now offer running gait analysis to their customers. This is a value-added service that many running enthusiasts will appreciate, especially when it comes to choosing the appropriate pair of running shoes based on their individual running styles.

 

Running gear, especially the footwear, plays a vital role in the runner's performance. With the running analysis, a runner's consultant and podiatrist can both help you choose the correct pair of shoes that will take you for longer miles with the most comfort.

 

Running style is unique to an individual. What works for one runner may not work for another. However, to achieve your best personal record, improve your performance and minimize the risks of injuries, it helps to avail of technology advanced running analysis so you know what flaws are needed to be corrected and what potentials are yet to be explored.