Running Assessment
Why Should You Get a Running Gait Assessment?
For a new runner, an occasional runner or a high-level runner, a running gait evaluation can only be beneficial. Indeed, as in all sports, a few corrections in movement, training or running habits can help prevent, heal them and/or enhance sport performance.
Who Can Conduct a Running Gait Evaluation?
The evaluation is carried out by a physiotherapist who specializes in running and who has completed the certification offered by The Running Clinic, an internationally renowned training organization for healthcare professionals.
The Evaluation Is Performed in Four Stages:
Subjective Evaluation: The physiotherapist asks the patient a few questions concerning their objectives, running habits, footwear, previous injuries, etc.
Objective and Functional Evaluation: The physiotherapist asks the patient to perform a few functional movements to obtain an idea of the quality of their movement, muscular strength and mobility.
Running Gait Evaluation: Following a warmup on the treadmill, the physiotherapist analyzes how the patient runs. Many elements are observed, such as tempo, quality of movement, pelvis stability, the way the feet land on the floor, the presence of technical errors, etc. This evaluation is carried out with and without shoes to better highlight any differences in running gait.
Recommendations and Exercise Program: Once the evaluation is completed, the physiotherapist gives feedback on what they observed and makes a few recommendations on the patient’s footwear and running gait. Finally, recommendations on the training program are given to promote better injury prevention.
A Little Advice Before Your First Appointment
Don’t forget to bring your running clothes and ALL your running shoes for the evaluation!