Running Mechanics and Gait Analysis

Running Mechanics and Gait Analysis With Online Video is the premier resource dedicated to running mechanics and injury prevention. Running continues to be one of the most popular sports, despite the fact that up to 70 percent of runners will sustain overuse injuries during any one-year period. Therefore, it is imperative for health care professionals, coaches, and runners themselves to be informed on injury prevention and optimal treatment. Referencing over 250 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, this text is a comprehensive review of the most recent research and clinical concepts related to gait and injury analysis. Running Mechanics and Gait Analysis With Online Video supplies professionals with an expansive array of clinical applications. Physical therapists and athletic trainers will come away with an understanding of ways to build on standard practice, while runners, coaches, and personal trainers will gain a new appreciation for the performance benefits that gait analysis can provide. The text has the following features: • A discussion of the complexities of running biomechanics as they relate to muscular strength, flexibility, and anatomical alignment for the purpose of providing an advanced clinical assessment of gait • Guidelines for assessing, treating, and preventing a range of common and not-so-common running injuries • A detailed analysis of running biomechanics to help professionals identify the interactions of the kinetic chain and the causes of overuse injuries • A video library featuring 33 clips that demonstrate the biomechanical patterns discussed in the text • Documented clinical examples to help practitioners apply the wealth of information in the book to their own practice Early chapters introduce readers to the basics of running-related injuries, foot mechanics, and shoe selection before progressing to discussions of knee and hip mechanics, ways to influence gait mechanics, and technical aspects of video gait analysis. Via a detailed joint-by-joint analysis, the book pinpoints common problem areas for runners and describes protocols for treatment. Later chapters present case studies of injured runners to guide professionals through a detailed biomechanical analysis and treatment recommendations, and an overview chapter summarizes the interrelationships of movement patterns at each joint with anatomical, strength, flexibility, and kinetic chain factors. Running Mechanics and Gait Analysis With Online Video is the most comprehensive resource for running-related research. Readers will come away armed with the knowledge and tools to perform an advanced clinical assessment of gait and rehabilitate and prevent running injuries. A continuing education quiz based on the content of this book is also available for purchase separately.