Running Gait Analysis Project

By: Dean Cotrone, Alex Laurenzo, Teddy Parham, Levi Wiedmann

Abstract:

In the running gait project, we assessed track runner Dean Cotrone’s gait to see if he was

using the proper technique in order to avoid the risk of injury. Dean was asked to run twenty

yards along the football field while we recorded him from multiple angles. After measuring the

angles of range of motion and comparing it to the averages, we concluded that for the most part,

his running gait was effective and proper. Dean was at a very low risk of experiencing strains

and/or inflammation, but is at risk for overuse. This experiment brought us to the conclusion that

even with proper technique, the athlete must still stretch and limit the hours that they put into

practice.

Introduction:

Running is an extremely popular sport in the United States. From Olympic runners to

people using a treadmill, a proper running gait is necessary for many reasons. The main goal of

running gait is to prevent injuries and pain to the athlete. While running is one of the most

popular forms of exercise, still not every runner knows the proper form. By following the steps

below, the athlete is not only less likely to experience an injury, but it will also help them further

their exercise and build up stamina and power.

The running gait is composed up of two phases and within those phases are steps that

complete the phase itself. The first set phase is called the stance phase and the second set is

called the swing phase. The stance phase account for 60% of the full gait cycle while the swing

phase accounts for the last 40%.

The stance begins with the initial contact/heel strike. At this point, the heel touches the

ground. The loading response happens after the heel strike and weight is shifted onto one leg by
10%. Next, the mid-stance is the point at which the tibia is perpendicular to the ground by 20%.

The last part of the stance phase is the terminal stance. It begins to move the hip into extension

until just before pre-swing by 20%.

The swing phase starts with the pre-swing. This is knee flexion and toe-off just before hip

flexion occurs, the last 10%. The swing phase has a similar start and end point. The initial swing

starts with the hip in flexion while still keeping the knee in flexion, 13%. Then the mid-swing

then allows hip flexion to move knee past opposite leg as it prepares for knee extension, 14%.

Finally, the terminal swing is maximum hip flexion paired with full knee extension as the body

shifts forward in preparation for heel strike, last 13%.

When analyzing the running gait we must have gait analysis. With gait analysis, we first

observe the patients complaints of walking or running pain. Based on that, we then can look at

the patient from three crucial views: the front, the back, and both sides. We can do this while the

patient is in motion and at a standstill to see where the problem has occurred. Our eyes aren't the

only judgment we must go by to determine a case. We must palpate the patient as well as take

full motion and slow motion pictures and video to help document as well as help us get a closer

look. If we don't take gait analysis we will not have any data or evidence to back up our findings.

In running, the most common injuries are due to overuse or pulling. Both of these things

directly stem from improper form. With the right running gait, an athlete is able to perform their

best and do so safely. Overtime, improper technique can lead to damage to the IT band, patella,

and many other parts of the body. This lab will be done to educate on how we can lower these

risks and improve form.

Method:

1. First we chose a runner for our group: Dean Cotrone.

2. Then we did research and created a video of our athlete and analyzed his running gait.

3. Our video was filmed with an iPad on the track.

4. We got footage from all angles including the front (running towards us), back (running

away from us), and side (running in front of camera) views.

5. We will mark the bony landmarks with white tape such as the greater trochanter.

6. We collected the footage and made a video in iMovie as well as brought it into hudl

technique and analyzed the angles of certain bony landmarks and more.

7. From here we were able to create a presentation on the running gait.

Analysis 1:

Our athlete Dean ran 20 yards as we recorded his running gait. We had him run along the

yard markers to see how far each stride was from a side angle. To see how his legs came back

and to make analytical critiques on his running form we had him run straight to see the path his

legs took on each stride.

Dean, for the most part, has proper running technique which allows him to be an effective

runner and maximize his speed on the track. During mid stance his body lean is close to perfect,

the ideal body lean for runners should be a 0° angle, Dean has this angle or is close to it. (figure

1) Because of this ideal body lean, his center of gravity is balanced, meaning he is centered over

the heel of the landing foot. This allows him to propel himself off the ground with as much force

as possible. During the drive phase, the ideal angle of lean is still 0°. For this you measure the

angle with a straight line from the ear to greater trochanter. Dean has a lean of 0° in his drive
phase (figure 2). His form is almost perfect from training as much as he has. Deans ankle has

good dorsiflection in the supporting leg in both the drive phase and midstance. In midstance he

has an angle of 48° of dorsiflection (figure 3), and during drive phase he has angle of 49° of

flexion (figure 4).

Looking at more of Dean’s mechanics and techniques in his running gait, almost

everything is ideal and close to the average angles. His pelvic tilt was was actually better than the

average. The average being 6-13° and Dean having a 3°. Deans’ form is almost perfect compared

to the averages in all range of movements. With more training from great coaches and practice

he should be able to keep this form and become an even better runner.

Analysis 2:

A) Dean’s average velocity was calculated with the formula:

Distance = rate x time

(9.14m) = rate x (1.34s)

rate = 6.82 m/s

B) The ground reaction force (GRF) between the ground and Dean while running was calculated

with the formula:

GRF = Favg / Wbody

​GRF = 2.5N / 68.039kg

​GRF = 0.0367N/kg

C) Dean’s tibial torque was calculated with the formula:

​torque = GRF / stride distance

​torque = 0.0367N/kg / 1.829m

​torque = 0.0201N/kg•m

Conclusion:

Dean’s running gait was very good. His proper technique could lead him a minimal

amount of injuries. Most of his injuries will most likely be caused by overuse. As a runner in

track and long jumper there is a lot of running involved so having optimal biomechanics of

running are necessary and Dean’s are almost perfect.

When Dean runs it was easy to asses the different parts of the running gait phases such as

the stance phase and the swing phase. For example one of Dean’s best comparisons to the

averages was his body lean. The average body lean or ideal body lean should be zero degrees. To

the eyes of the group members his body lean is perfect. We can only guess it’s zero without

professional equipment. Because of this his hamstrings and lower back are working well

together. Meaning that, there is low risk of an overuse injury. Because of this ideal body lean, his

center of gravity is balanced, meaning he is centered over the heel of the landing foot. His quads

and hamstrings do not need to contract as fast due to the body lean and center of gravity. Again,

lowering the risk of a possible hamstring tear.

Because Dean is a competitive athlete who is constantly practicing, he is still at risk for

overuse injuries. He is most at risk for medial tibial stress syndrome, or shin splints. This is the

inflammation of muscles and bone tissue surrounding the tibia. He may develop shin splints due

to the high intensity of his workout and frequency. To lower the risk of this injury, Dean needs to

be wearing the proper fitting shoes and monitoring the times he practices. If he suddenly began

training harder without a gradual build up, he is at high risk for shin splints. He also should be
cross-training with sports like swim. This will help give his tibia a break from the pressure it

receives when running, but still help strengthen it.

Dean is also at risk for developing patellofemoral pain syndrome (Runner’s knee). This

occurs due to irritation at the patella. To prevent runner’s knee, it is important for the athlete to

strengthen their quadriceps. This can be done through barbell squats and leg presses. This will

improve patellar tracking. Before running, Dean needs to stretch his hamstrings and calves to

prevent overpronation.

Overall, Dean is at low risk for developing an injury related to his gait. His range of

motion averages line up with how they should appear and he is taking all precautions in regards

to practice and footwear. If Dean continues with this running gait while still making sure he’s not

overworking anything, he will be a successful runner with few injuries.

ROM:

A. Average: 0 degrees

B. Average: centered above heel of landing foot, 0 degrees

C. Average: 0 degrees

D. Average: 0 degrees

E. Average: 6-13 degrees

F. Average: 9.8 degrees

G. Average: 142.5 degrees

H. Average: 175 or 178 degrees

I. Average: 0 degrees

J. 12.6 degrees
 K. N/a

Figure 1: Body Lean

Figure 2: Drive Phase

Figure 3: Dorsiflexion in Mid Stance
Figure 4: Dorsiflexion in Drive Phase

Video Link:​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l1L4--ExHk