Database helps indentify those susceptible to injury

By Reed Ferber and Ryan Leigh

As 50 million people have made running the No. 1 sport in North America, the number of injuries they suffer continues to mount. About half of all runners will be injured each year. That’s millions of injuries, and science has had to step up its game to help these athletes reach the finish line.

For an injured runner, there are several options available for treatment. In many cases, some form of a gait analysis is performed to better understand how their running mechanics are related to the injury. As research evolves, 3D assessments are available to provide very accurate measurements of a runner’s gait biomechanics. More importantly, this technology and emerging research is providing the ability to predict who might be at risk for injury.

The ability to predict injury may seem a bit far-fetched, but the development of the world’s largest running injury database will be central to this initiative. Using video data and force plates embedded in the treadmill, 3D limb positions and joint forces that occur during the gait cycle are measured. Data collected on injured runners is sorted by injury type, and reveals the characteristics most common to a particular type of injury and ultimately the causes of those injuries.
The average runner will be able to compare their personal data to the average of thousands of runners with the same injury and receive an Injury Index score. The score is based on how the runner’s biomechanics compare to the other runners in the database. Assisting in the development and validation of the database at the University of Calgary are other research institutions such as the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, AUT University in New Zealand, and McGill University in Montreal.

Following the data collection, a comprehensive report assesses the runner’s strength, flexibility, and biomechanical movement pattern, and provides clues to potential causes of injury. From this, a tailored rehabilitation program is developed to address the impairments identified in the injured runner. Thanks in large part to the biomechanical conclusions drawn from the 3D gait analysis, the runner is given a program that specifically addresses the issues surrounding his or her running injury.

Research studies are continuing to investigate the biomechanical factors that give rise to common running injuries, including knee injuries such as patellofemoral pain syndrome and iliotibial band syndrome, foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. This kind of research has led to advances in treatment including innovative strengthening exercises and the novel approach of using real-time 3D biomechanical feedback to change the way you run and help to prevent future injuries.

Across North America, there are only four or five universities that offer some type of 3D gait analysis for runners. With the assistance and support of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and Alberta Ingenuity, the ability to get a 3D gait analysis is becoming easier.

The 3D Gait Analysis System is being introduced into private physiotherapy clinics across Western Canada to allow more runners to receive a scientific biomechanical assessment. 3D data captured helps build the running injury database to create a better understanding of running injuries and how to prevent them. With this information, runners can take steps to prevent being knocked off the road, optimize treatment for their injuries, and bring back the joy of running.

Dr. Reed Ferber is director of the Running Injury Clinic and an assistant professor in the faculties of Kinesiology and Nursing at the University of Calgary.

Ryan Leigh is a Ph.D student and licensed physical therapist.

March/April 2011 Issue