Is it Time for a Biomechanical Running Assessment?

Two of the clinicians at the Sport Medicine Clinic, Andrea Lilley (Athletic Therapist) and Briana Bradstreet (Physiotherapist), are now offering biomechanical running assessments. Biomechanical running assessments are for runners of all levels: from novice, to marathon runners and triathletes.

In June 2019, Andrea and Briana completed a course called “New Trends in the Prevention of Running Injuries”, offered by The Running Clinic, to update their knowledge on managing runners’ injuries, with course content being based upon the most current research, specific to runners. They learned: how to assess running biomechanics, how to properly assess and treat injuries when they occur, and how to know when a runner should consider changing their shoes to those with less support using the minimalist shoe index (available online, click here).

What is a Biomechanical Running Assessment?

This 45-minute assessment is a review of your running technique, used to identify any aspects of your running that could be improved to enhance your range of motion and improve your running performance. During the assessment, we will review: your foot placement, stride length, arm swing, leg alignment, shoulder control, and head posture, among testing other muscles and joints.

The Biomechanical Running Assessment includes:

• Discussion of patient’s running history, including any injuries
• Functional Range of Motion Testing
• Local Orthopaedic Assessment of the injured body part
• Functional Analysis: step down testing, single leg squat, running drills (ABCDs)
• Treadmill assessment of running biomechanics (shoes on and shoes off) with Video Analysis

Who is this assessment ideal for?

• Those new to running, who want expert advice
• Runners wanting to improve their style and form
• Runners looking to improve their training to achieve distance or time goals
• Runners wanting to compete or improve their competition performance
• Runners looking to move into different disciplines (i.e. sprinting, marathon running, triathlons, etc.)
• Runners that struggle to get consistency in their training due to common running injuries

Common Runner Injuries:

Did You Know?!? Some interesting running facts based on the current research…

• People who run 4-5 times a week are less likely to sustain an injury (i.e. you should run often even if it means some of your runs are short)
• Having a cadence between 170-190 strides per minute prevents injury. Optimal is around 180 beats per minute (you can download a simple metronome on your phone to check what your cadence is or some of the heart rate monitor watches have this function now)
• Running does not cause Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced runner, you can always benefit from a running assessment to improve your performance and prevent any future injures! If you have any questions about what is included in a running assessment (or determine whether it’s right for you), please contact Briana Bradstreet or Andrea Lilley for more information. Running assessments can be booked through the Sport Medicine Clinic’s reception, or by phone at (416) 865-0903.