Run Form & Stride Analysis

Running is a skill. And skill requires technique.

Learning how to run more efficiently will help you avoid an overuse injury, return to running after an overuse injury, and improve your running pace thereby improving your performance. Begin your journey of becoming a better runner by identifying your running asymmetries and faults in body position with a thorough, research-grade run form and stride analysis.

We like to think of our Run Form & Stride Analysis as an MRI of your running - this data provides us with a full picture of a runner's movement inefficiencies and asymmetries. This is important for any runner to know in order to significantly reduce the risk of injury and to improve their performance.

What to Expect

The assessment includes two reports: first is the form analysis with the Noraxon MR4 2D motion capture system. Second is the stride analysis with the Optogait optical sensors. (see sample reports below)

The form analysis includes a breakdown of important joint angles related to running, and compares this to a recommended range that has been thoroughly researched by some of the world’s leading researchers in running mechanics.
- The 2D motion capture system automatically tracks the runner’s joint angles in real-time, analyzes these angles, and populates the findings into an easy-to-read report.
- This system compares your joint angles to normative values obtained from years of research, providing you with detailed analysis of key joints. This information can then be used to make changes in your running form to positively impact your stride, overall efficiency and symmetry of movement that will lead to less risk of injury and faster running!
The stride analysis report includes a breakdown of flight time, contact time, and cadence. It further breaks down contact time into its three subphases: initial contact, foot flat, and propulsion. Lastly, it includes comparisons between the left and right sides. This provides insight into how optimized you are at moving your body through space.

*The Run Form & Stride Analysis does not include diagnosis of any specific underlying pathologies that may explain the findings in the reports, but there will be some general discussion depending on the findings. It also does not include instruction in corrective exercises or treatment plans. For those services, a follow-up with one of our Physical Therapists is highly recommended. Our running PT specialists have extensive training in run analysis, corrective exercise instructions, run form coaching, and treatment of soft tissue & joint mobility restrictions & injuries. These therapists include: Dr. Ellen Foster, Dr. Ryan Embley, Dr. Eric Schneider, Dr. Laura Cutler, Dr. Jen Moehring-Schmidt, and Dr. Julia Balash.