Can injury and discomfort during running be prevented by adjusting a runner’s gait? In the past, our posts have discussed the importance of gait analysis and fluid biomechanical movement. We have also discussed common injuries among triathletes and long distance runners such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and runner’s knee. When it comes to injury among endurance athletes, the common perception was that the physical activity of running or cycling wore down the joints and tore muscles. The idea that endurance training itself is the source of injury is quickly becoming a notion of the past. A recent article published by the Wall Street Journal offers a different point of view that aligns with our mission and products.
Injury Prevention and Gait
According to the Wall Street Journal, injury among runners is quite high, with injury rates reaching up to 90% among marathon runners. Citing experts and orthopedic doctors, the article explains how important gait analysis is to injury prevention. Instead of entertaining the notion that wear and tear on joints and ligaments is caused by running, the conclusion based on the author’s research points to issues with gait, including runners striding “out too far” and landing with the legs “at awkward angles.”
While gait analysis is cutting-edge and not as widely available at sports medicine centers, many experts believe that properly analyzing gait can identify the underlying cause of an injury and even prevent injury by identifying bad habits. By analyzing gait and correcting mechanical issues, it is more possible than ever before for endurance athletes to train and perform with little to no pain.
RPM² Provides Gait Analysis to Endurance Athletes
Our product, RPM², analyzes runners’ and cyclists’ step time and weight distribution along with providing data that relates to gait. Delivering data to your smartphone or tablet, our products can help you and your trainer identify mechanical issues so that you can adjust your training habits for better performance.
