Synonyms in the broadest sense
Treadmill analysis, running style advice, running diagnostics, running adviceThe wrong running style is often the cause of orthopedic complaints in the foot, knee and hip joints. Every person runs with an individual running technique that more or less deviates from an optimum. It is practically impossible to change the running style, because the running style becomes automated over the course of a lifetime.
The right footwear, possibly orthopedic insoles or stabilizers in the ankle joint, however, enable maximum compensation for anatomical foot malpositions. A treadmill analysis makes it possible to visualize irregularities in the running behavior by means of visual measurement in order to initiate compensatory measures if necessary. In a serious running analysis, dynamic maximum pressure points on the sole of the foot are also measured during gait and running.
This enables overpronation or supination (position of the foot when rolling) to be detected. The determination of the CoP (body center of gravity) enables the detection of imbalances in the right-left behavior. Different step lengths and an unharmonious gait or running pattern are often due to a malposition of the spine.
Malpositions of rotation of the feet (internal rotation gait – “walking over the big uncle” – or external rotation malpositions – “Charlie Chaplin gait”) can be determined in extent. The goal of a treadmill analysis is to determine the individual running style. By measuring the foot pressure, forefoot walkers, midfoot walkers and rearfoot walkers can be distinguished from each other.
The treadmill analysis can be used both as a diagnostic procedure for existing orthopedic problems and as a preventive measure. Diseases such as arthrosis in the big toe joint (hallux rigidus) can be detected at an early stage with a running analysis. The video analysis allows to detect the position of the foot joint while walking.
The scope of a treadmill analysis includes The analysis in standing position enables the static weight distribution to be determined. As a rule, the athlete stands as still as possible for at least 20-30 seconds on a pressure measurement plate without moving. Deviations in the anatomy of the sole of the foot (hollow foot, flat foot, fallen arches, splayfoot, pigeon-toed foot) can be displayed visually.
The weight distribution should ideally be 50% left and 50% right. Deviations can indicate a malposition of the spine. Forefoot and rearfoot distribution is ideally 1/3 to 2/3.
In a running or gait analysis, the athlete should run on the treadmill for a few minutes to get used to the running behavior. This is followed by several measurements at different speeds barefoot and with shoes. If video analysis is used, the running behavior as well as the foot attachment, ankle position, knee position and hip position should be observed first.
Especially the behavior of the ankle joint during foot attachment requires special observation. Subsequently, the analysis is performed by means of software. Maximum pressure points can confirm the observations.
Step length comparison, step time comparison and body center of gravity progression allow for precise representation of the running style. In the event of deviations, the possibilities for correction should be presented in conclusion.
- Booth analysis
- Gait analysis
- Running analysis
As already mentioned, sporty beginners and runners with existing complaints are the main target group of a running analysis.
Even athletes with a high running workload, such as in preparation for a marathon, are advised to undergo a running analysis. However, since the analysis also includes preventive aspects, it is in principle advisable for every runner.