So you’re considering getting a treadmill gait analysis. Perhaps this is to improve your running economy, perhaps it is to reduce risk of injury in the future or even to overcome a current niggle. But before we do this, we need to answer the question…
Is it possible to change the way you run?
Like many complex skills, running technique is a motor pattern stored within the brain that we can do on repeat with surprising consistency. It’s like writing your signature, throwing a ball or swinging a tennis racket. And because we have performed so many repetitions, change is not easy, but it is achievable to with specific cues and some conscious effort.
Anecdotally, we often see changes in running biomechanics in our clients, but is this backed up in the research?
What does the research tell us?
A recent study demonstrated that gait retraining using external feedback significantly improved running mechanics and reduced injury risk among military cadets recovering from lower extremity injuries (Miller et al., 2020).
Moreover, the use of visual and verbal feedback during running has been shown to facilitate changes in running mechanics. Moore et al. showed that the incorporation of feedback can effectively alter an individual’s gait (Moore et al., 2012). This is particularly relevant for beginner runners who may not have established efficient running patterns.
The efficiency of your running gait can also be influenced by cadence (how many steps you take per minute) and your stride length. Studies have indicated that by just adjusting one of these parameters, it can lead to a more economical running style, which is essential for both your performance enhancement and injury prevention (Hatchett et al., 2018; , Schubert et al., 2013).
Will the treadmill be enough?
It is important to note that the environment in which you trains can affect the outcomes of gait retraining. Research comparing treadmill running to overground running has shown that biomechanical differences exist between these two modalities, which can impact the effectiveness of gait retraining interventions (Lafferty et al., 2021; , Benson et al., 2020). Therefore, while treadmill-based training can be beneficial, it is crucial to practice these new cues when you’re out running.
Hopefully by now, you’re realising that YES, you can change the way you run!
