Running Gait

Analysis

By: Nick Cotta

Lindsay Hill

Morgan Arroyo

Jillian Mejia
Introduction:

Walking is characterized by an athlete repeatedly stepping forward with one foot and following

through with the next one while both feet remain in contact with the ground. Similarly, running

is just like walking but at a more rapid pace where at one point, both of the athletes feet are

lifted off of the ground. Though this definition makes the action sound fairly simple, the

mechanisms that go into walking and running movements are very complex. Throughout this

project we will be analyzing the biomechanics of Noahs running gait as well as how to prevent

and treat an injury if one were to occur.

The proper definition of biomechanics is, the study of the mechanical laws relating to the

movement or structure of living organisms. Being able to move freely is critical to make sure

that no injuries take place. Muscles that are properly formed and able to produce the appropriate

amount of force help establish a competent gait cycle. Joints that become stiff which is usually

associated with muscle tightness leads to abnormalities which the body must compensate for that

later leads to injuries. Examples of abnormalities that may occur are Oversupination, Hip hiking,

Pelvic tilt, or an increased Q angle. All of these abnormalities are usually caused by muscle

weakness or tightness. A majority of the time Gait Analysis is performed by a licensed

professional who focuses on the feet and ankles. Overuse injuries become very common when

someone has poor biomechanics. A couple of the injuries include Plantar fasciitis, Lower back

pain, Iliotibial band syndrome, or Patello-femoral knee pain.

Injuries caused by walking gaits are treated usually through physical therapy. It takes time for

these habits to wear off, but with time a patient can relearn how to walk or run. Usually through

constant repetition and muscle building is how a new gait is relearned. Through strengthening
the muscles, it becomes easier for the body to hold itself in a new manner. Through repetition,

new muscle memory is made and allows the body to function correctly without the patient

having to think about it constantly. If an injury is severe, a patient will start out on crutches or a

cane before standing on their own.

Analysis I:

This experiment consisted of our test athlete running about 20 yards on the football field while

we were recording his running gait from both sides, the back, and the front. Our test athlete for

running was Noah. Noah plays football and does track, both of which involve running in some

form. Since his sports don't focus solely on running, however, he doesn't necessarily have the

best gait. Noah's body lean was 16 degrees, but the average should be closer to 0 degrees. While

evaluating his gait, we noticed a few improper mechanics that could result in several issues for

our test athlete. A few injuries that could result include patellar tendinitis, chondromalacia,

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (or shin splints), runners knee, or inflammation. His body angle

is 19 degrees and that also should be around 0 degrees. Noah's dorsiflexion in his left and right

feet is at 90 degrees and 70 degrees respectively. This is extremely close to the average of 75

degrees. His valgus angle is 13 degrees, and generally it is preferred that he doesn't have a valgus

angle at all in his knee. His ASIS alignment is at 8 degrees, but it is preferred to be aligned on a

horizontal axis. In midstance, the flexion of his unsupported knee is at 95 degrees, when his knee

should have greater range of motion.

Analysis II:

A.) Noah's average velocity was calculated with this formula:

Distance= Rate x Time

25 yards = Rate(3.35)

Rate - 7.46m/s

B.) The ground reaction force was calculated with this formula:

GRF (Ground Reaction Force) = Force(average) / weight body

GRF= 2.5N / 100Kg

= .025N/Kg

C.) The tibial torque was calculated with this formula:

Torque = GRF / stride distance

T = .025N/Kg. / 1.82m

T = .01374N/Kg x m

Conclusion:

Noahs running gait did not have a great amount of improper mechanics that could potentially

lead to injuries while running. As a football player he must run a lot, so optimal biomechanics of

running are necessary while he plays.

While he runs, his body slightly leans forward, causing strain on both his back, hamstrings, and

other joints that connect to the knee. This causes unnecessary tension on muscles that dont have

to work so hard if he simply corrects his posture and body alignment. This can cause both muscle

strains as the muscle becomes stressed due to over-using it.

Noahs stride lengths are wide which may also contribute to muscle strain. This sets him up for

injury because a of a lengthened stride. Overstriding can harm him if he does not stretch

beforehand.

If he overworks his muscles by running excessively he may develop an injury called runners

knee. This injury is located below the kneecap and progressively gets worse if not addressed. If

Noah over-pronates and uses improper shoes he will become more prone to injury. To aid this,

he must run less often while healing and monitor how fast and long he does so.

One of Noahs worst mechanical difficulties were his valgus knee angle because his knee is

medially directed in midstance. This leads to a possible ACL tear because his Q angle increases

due to the tension and stress on his ligaments. Aside from that, his posture throughout his daily

life is crucial because that will eventually carry on into his posture habits while running. Another

beneficial addition to address his posture is working on his abdominal strength through core

exercises like sit-ups and crunches. Other exercises he may perform to strengthen his muscles in

his legs to run to his fullest potential include jumping exercises like jump squats, power cleans,

deadlifts, and squats. Performing jump squats may benefit both the quadriceps and hamstrings in

his body.
 Works Cited

Floyd, R. T. Manual of Structural Kinesiology. Nineteenth ed., ibook ed., New

York, McGraw-Hill Ed., 2015.

"Home." Gait Analysis -Expert Interview |Sportsinjuryclinic.net. Virtual Sports Injury

Clinic, n.d. Web.17 Feb. 2017.

Tongen, Anthony, and Roshna E. Wunderlich. "Biomechanics of Running and

Walking." Mathematics and Sports (n.d.): 315-28. Web. 17 Feb. 2017