Running Retraining to Minimize Braking Forces

The Effect of a Gait Modification Training Program on Impact Loading and Running-related Injuries

The proposed research study aims to investigate whether a gait modification training program to decrease peak braking forces during the stance phase of running will result in a reduction in impact loading and the incidence of running-related injuries among recreational distance runners.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ability to commit to a 15-week half-marathon training program
• Have been running for at least 3 months prior to study commencement
• Have participated in 2 or less half-marathons previously
• Ability to run on a treadmill unaided
• Ability to travel to testing facility for running analysis pre- and post-training program as well as for gait retraining sessions
• Ability to understand written and spoken English
• Meet the screening requirements (display less than -0.27BW mean peak braking force at baseline/screening assessment)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any lower extremity pathology in the previous 3 months or currently have pain in their lower back or lower extremities while running
• Have undergone hip, knee, or ankle joint surgery