Running biomechanics and gait retraining
As written by The Injury Clinic physiotherapist Sam Lewis
Running is a common activity and sport in Australia, with the Australian Sports Commission reporting that between January and December in 2024, 3.48 million Australian adults (aged 15 and over) engaged in running or jogging.
The relationship between running biomechanics, running techniques and the risk of running-related injuries remains widely investigated.
Unfortunately variations in literature assessment methods and outcome measures make drawing conclusions difficult. Despite this, research does show that assessing running biomechanics and implementing gait retraining can help runners reduce injury risk.
Running biomechanics and gait retraining are therefore key considerations when assessing and managing runners at The Injury Clinic, and will be explored further in this blog.
Running biomechanics
What is it?
- Running biomechanics refers to human movement during running and is characterised by kinematics (joint angles, stride characteristics), kinetics (forces, moments, loading rates), and muscle activity. These characteristics vary between runners.
Why do we assess it?
- Assessing biomechanics can identify how specific tissues (bone, tendon, muscle, joint) are loaded, identify movement patterns or strategies, and provide insights into factors that influence running-related injury risk or performance. In a clinical assessment, biomechanics can help understand an injury presentation and identify contributing factors.
- Tissue loading – running biomechanics can be broken down into different stages of the running or gait cycle. Interpreting these findings as part of a clinical presentation can help identify certain tissues being overloaded or underloaded.
- Movement patterns/strategies – Biomechanics assessment can detect movement patterns influencing tissue load, which may be affected by strength, control, or range of motion
Gait retraining
What is it?
- Gait retraining involves deliberately modifying a runner’s biomechanics, often through external cues.
Why do we do it?
- Managing injured runners or runners with recurrent injuries. Reducing load on an injured tissue source can improve symptoms and help prevent injury or symptom recurrence.
Other considerations
- Goal of gait retraining. When altering a runner’s biomechanics, it is essential to understand the goal and desired outcome. If not executed correctly, cues may worsen an existing injury or increase the likelihood of a secondary injury.
- Shifting load. While reducing load on an injured tissue through gait retraining may relieve symptoms, it’s important to consider where the load is transferred. Consideration of the runner’s past injury history is essential to avoid secondary or subsequent injuries.
- Tissue capacity. Runners may adopt certain movement patterns due to limited strength, range of motion, or control. Attempting to change their gait without addressing these deficits can increase injury risk. A structured, individualized strength and conditioning program often improves the effectiveness and safety of gait retraining.
- Other contributing factors. Running biomechanics is one component influencing injury risk and running performance. Other contributors include but are not limited to running load, tissue capacity, sleep, recovery, nutrition, psychological state, and body composition. These should be considered alongside biomechanical interventions.
Summary
Assessing running biomechanics and implementing gait retraining can reduce injury risk and improve running performance when applied carefully. However, other factors beyond biomechanics, should be considered in running related injury prevention and performance outcomes.
We are passionate about treating running injuries at The Injury Clinic. So if you’re base in Geelong or surrounds and are experiencing a running injury, don’t hesitate to book in to see one of our sports physiotherapists today!
For more info on running injuries, and physio services offered at The Injury Clinic…CLICK HERE
