Treadmill Analysis – Treatment, Effects & Risks
Treadmill Analysis
Endurance sports are beneficial for health and for the figure. The number of those who want to join recreational joggers is increasing. In order to avoid damage to joints and intervertebral discs, suitable running shoes should be purchased using a treadmill analysis. The evaluation of the movement pattern is also useful when determining orthopaedically necessary foot insoles in the event of foot deformities.
What is treadmill analysis?
A treadmill analysis is the determination and evaluation of a movement pattern of the feet when running over a treadmill as well as the posture shown. This is intended to provide insights into any existing peculiarities and malpositions of the feet and other limbs as well as postural errors of the runner.
Many devices use pressure sensors to measure the forces that occur when the feet hit the treadmill. The entire posture and movement restrictions as well as malpositions can also be videographed during running and evaluated using a special computer program. The various video sequences can be measured computer-aided. Based on the measurement results, the angles of movement of the individual joints become revealingly clear. As a result, existing malpositions of the joints can be detected.
The repetition of the running test in slow motion can also bring informative insights for the person concerned through the precise observation of their own running behavior. Especially when selecting the first running shoes, a treadmill analysis is an aid to the purchase decision. Due to possible changes, however, repetitions of the treadmill analysis are also appropriate. By detecting restricted or inhibited movements, it is possible to change the running style advantageously.
Function, impact & goals
Treadmill analysis is often performed to optimize running style and when buying new shoes. However, without additional measures, treadmill analysis is no substitute for necessary sports medical examinations.
A detailed movement analysis should be performed by a sports doctor if the reason for painful discomfort when running is to be found. Depending on the symptoms, an examination of the feet, legs, hips or spine may be necessary to find the problem. The cause of walking problems are in the vast majority of malpositions of the feet. The aim of the treadmill analysis is also to prevent impending complaints. With excessive load on bones and ligaments, excellent cushioning properties of the running shoe are necessary.
Of importance are the predominant ground condition of the running route of the runner, the body weight and the training frequency. Shoes with special fits or reinforcements, shoe inserts or physiotherapy advice can also help improve the discomfort of runners. Recommendations from sports doctors or orthopaedists are more detailed and well-founded than the advice from specialist salespeople in sports shops. Through the expert evaluation of treadmill analyses and movement sequences, differences in leg lengths or incorrect emphasis in posture can be identified in addition to foot malpositions.
Before a treadmill or movement analysis with the sports physician, a personal conversation between doctor and runner takes place to present complaints and change intentions. After that, a thorough orthopedic examination is carried out. The mobility of the joints is checked. For treadmill analysis, marking points are attached to the spine, hips, legs and buttocks. This should prepare the muscle shifts for evaluation by video analysis. The treadmill test uses the shoes that the runner is currently using in training.
The specific wear of the outsole could provide first clues to a cause of the problem. A first treadmill is first used barefoot or in socks in order to be able to detect problems that are not caused by the shoes. It is determined how the touchdown and rolling behavior presents itself and whether, for example, the runner touches down first with the heel. After the run with the shoes of the runner, a third test with other sports shoes can also be carried out for the purpose of comparative evaluations.
Depending on the findings based on the treadmill analysis, a consultation with the person concerned about measures to be taken and changes takes place. These may include orthopedic shoe inserts, foam supports, running shoes with special characteristics or changes in running style and technique.
Risks, side effects & dangers
Treadmill analyses can be performed in sports shops, medical supply stores, physiotherapy practices and gyms. One problem is the motion analysis, which is often necessary as a supplement. Often there is a lack of the necessary technology and trained personnel.
It also makes a serious difference whether only the purchase of sports shoes is prepared from the point of view of the runner or whether complaints should be determined. If you want to jog permanently and for this reason buy a pair of running shoes for the first time, you should not neglect to check your health requirements. In any case, when assessing the quality of a career analysis, it is not only the quality of the equipment that should play a role. There are other factors to consider, such as:
- Consultation to determine background information about the runner
- Training and expertise of the implementing service provider
- Experience with device operation
- Motivation of the analyst, he should be a runner himself
- Duration and scope of the analysis
When assessing a motion sequence, optimal accuracy must be used. Small deviations can impair the effectiveness of change measures. Simple mistakes are often made. This includes, among other things, that the person concerned does not stand on the device in sportswear. In some cases, the test also begins immediately after entering the treadmill, without the person concerned having run in.
It is also insufficient if the test takes place without prior questioning. In order to find a suitable place to carry out a treadmill analysis, it is advisable to interview experienced runners.
Hello! I am Lisa Newlon, and I am a medical writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I have a Master’s degree in Medicine, and my deep understanding of medical terminology, practices, and procedures has made me a trusted source of information in the medical world.