Exercise Physiology

Unlocking Performance: The Role of Running Assessment and Injury Prevention in Marathon Training

October 24, 2024
By Megan Kenney

Running is more than a physical activity; it demands precision, technique, and understanding. For those preparing for the Melbourne Half Marathon, honing your running mechanics is crucial for achieving your personal best while minimizing the risk of injury. At Maroondah Osteo and Sportscare, we are dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential through comprehensive running gait assessments and tailored training programs designed by our expert exercise physiologists.

UNDERSTANDING RUNNING GAIT ASSESSMENT

A running gait assessment is a detailed analysis of your running mechanics. This assessment identifies inefficiencies and potential risk factors that could lead to injury. Here’s what we look for during a gait assessment:

Key Phases of the Running Gait:

Early Swing Phase: Quickly pull the thigh using hip flexors while swiftly pulling the heel towards the buttocks, keeping minimal torso rotation and maintaining a tall posture with aligned hips and shoulders.

Late Swing Phase: Flex the foot at the ankle with laces towards the shin, returning the foot down and back towards the ground, forming a kidney bean-shaped stride that combines the early and late swing phases.

Ground Contact: Determine which part of the foot contacts the ground first, measure the angle between foot strike and knee position, and ensure the foot strike is tense and controlled.

Stance Phase: Transition quickly and efficiently through the stance phase with minimal forward lean from the ankle, keeping the pelvis neutral from both side and rear views, and achieving a strong, extended hip position without sitting back.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INJURY PREVENTION

Injury prevention is vital, especially when preparing for a high-load event like the Melbourne Half Marathon. Key strategies include:

Strength and Balance Training: Enhances stability and reduces injury risk.

Adequate Recovery: Ensuring sufficient sleep, proper nutrition, and hydration.

Conditioning Programs: Focus on both performance and injury prevention.

Load Monitoring: Avoiding overtraining and managing stress.

HOW MAROONDAH OSTEO AND SPORTSCARE CAN HELP

At Maroondah Osteo and Sportscare, our team of exercise physiologists, osteopaths, and allied health professionals work together to provide comprehensive support for runners. Here’s how we can help:

Running Gait Assessments:

Our detailed assessments, conducted by experienced exercise physiologists, analyze your running mechanics to identify inefficiencies and potential risk factors. This allows us to tailor interventions that optimize your running technique.

Strength and Conditioning Programs:

We design individualized strength and conditioning programs that address specific weaknesses and imbalances. These programs enhance your stability, strength, and endurance, reducing the risk of injury and improving performance.

Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention:

Our exercise physiologists develop targeted rehabilitation plans for those recovering from injuries. These plans focus on restoring function, preventing recurrence, and safely returning you to running.

Nutrition Support:

Our dietitian offers personalized nutrition plans that fuel your training and recovery, ensuring you have the energy and nutrients needed for optimal performance.

Osteopathy and Remedial Massage:

Our osteopaths and remedial massage therapists provide hands-on treatment to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing, supporting your overall well-being.

For those preparing for the Melbourne Half Marathon, our team at Maroondah Osteo and Sportscare is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this your best race yet!