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February 25, 2018

Run Better with Run3D

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Lady performing exercise using resistant band
In any given year, somewhere between 65 to 80 percent of runners are laid up with an injury.

From beginners to experienced athletes, this happens at all levels. And almost all runners will have experienced a type of repetitive strain injury, of which there are many causes, from genetics, training schedules and running efficacy/style. With the perfectionist nature of the sport, running style and foot strike have always been a great cause for debate amongst individuals and the community.

To minimise the need for guesswork and debates, we use gait analysis to analyse your running style, foot strike and possible injury causes. We then collect the data, examine the findings and problems found to improve your overall running technique.

People often associate ‘gait analysis’ with terms such as ‘overpronation’ and ‘rolling in’. There are many variations and standards of this analysis, with the most common being found in sports shops. Using a treadmill and a camera pointing at the feet (2D gait analysis), the runner will perform at a comfortable pace whilst the shop assistant records the feet in motion and offers advice on the correct type of shoe for the individual from the results found. Think of this as the very tip of the gait analysis iceberg and an example from the poorer end of the technology’s spectrum.

At the very opposite end of the spectrum (the better end!) we have 3D movement analysis. Used for special effects and CGI, we can now also use this for 3D gait analysis to help athletes of all levels. Run3D, a spin-out from Oxford University, released their system in February 2017. Available in clinics in Surrey, Essex, Basingstoke, London, Dublin, Maidenhead and now also in Liverpool at our Treatment Table Crosby location!

Run3D uses infrared cameras and a positioning of small reflectors, stuck to specific anatomical markers which relay your position back to a computer. This then builds a virtual model of your legs and allows us to record the position of your joints whilst you run (we also have the ability to play this back to you with the markers off!)

This detailed analysis gives us measurable data and the recording of your positions/the time spent in those positions of your joints. The pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, rear foot, midfoot and toe-off are all captured. Other measurements recorded are cadence (number of strides per min) stride length, stride width and vertical excursion (how much you bounce when you run). Using this we can develop your running style, more in-depth than ever before. Improve speed, improved running posture, improved stamina and injury prevention are all conceivable via Run3D!

Before this year, Run3D has only been available in southern locations, so we’re really excited to offer this state-of-the-art analysis solution for the first time to northern runners and will be sharing some stories of our clients throughout the year. 

You can find all prices and even book your Run3D appointment by clicking here, and as always if you have any questions please get in touch via our contact form.

Are you struggling with an injury or pain that has been troubling you for too long?