1. Biomechanics of Running Gait What do your shoes do for you?
By:
Shelby Hohnholt, Creighton Pearse, Heath Benker

2. Objectives: Explain what a gait analysis is
Explain the different phases of the gait cycle
Explain how the structure and build of different brands of shoes can affect your gait
Help you decide if those expensive running shoes are really worth your money

3. General Running Facts
Starting in the late 1960’s to early 1970’s, running recreationally began to blossom
Approximately 30 million Americans run recreationally
Each year 25% to 50% of all runners experience an injury that hinders their ability to practice or perform

4. What is a gait analysis?
A gait analysis provides runners with essential information about their running style.
Video gait analysis is most commonly used:
Involves running for a few minutes on a treadmill while a video is made of the runner’s feet
Can help identify certain movements which may be triggering injuries or affecting running efficiency

5. General Biomechanical Movements and Planes
Sagittal Plane
Stance Phase
Hip Extension
Knee Extension
Plantar Flexion
Swing Phase
Hip Flexion
Dorsiflexion
Overpronation
Feet roll inward too much
Low arch or flat footed runners are susceptible to overpronation
Supination (Underpronation)
Feet don’t roll inward enough
High arch runners are susceptible to supination
Easy way to find out arch: place feet in water and step on cement and see the tracing of footprint

7. The Phases of the Gait Cycle:
Stance Phase: accounts for 60% of the gait cycle
Heel Contact
Foot Flat
Mid Stance
Toe Off
Swing Phase: accounts for 40% of the gait cycle
Acceleration
Mid Swing
Deceleration

8. Stance Phase: Heel Contact Foot Flat Mid Stance Toe Off
The point when the heel hits the floor
Foot Flat
The point where the whole of the foot comes into contact with the floor
Mid Stance
Where we are transferring weight from the back, to the front of our feet
Toe Off
Pushing off with the toes to propel forward

9. Swing Phase: Acceleration Mid-Swing Deceleration
The period from toe off to maximum knee flexion in order for the foot to clear the ground
Mid-Swing
The period between maximum knee flexion and the forward movement of the tibia to a vertical position
Deceleration
The end of the swing phase before the heel strike

10. Mid-Stance: most susceptible phase for injury as body takes on full load on single leg.
After pushoff in running you go into a float phase: both feet are off the ground

11. Muscles Involved Stance Phase: Heel Contact Phase Foot Flat Phase
Gluteus Maximus
Posterior capsule
Tibialis anterior
Foot Flat Phase
Quadriceps femoris
Mid Stance
Gastronemius
Toe Off
Deep plantar-flexors
flexors of toes
instrinsic foot muscles
Rectus femoris
Swing Phase:
Acceleration Phase/Mid- Swing Phase:
Contralateral abductors of hip
Iliopsoas
Rectus femoris
Deceleration Phase
Hamstrings
Quadriceps femoris
Tibialis anterior

13. Are those expensive running shoes worth your money?
How the structure and build of a shoe can affect your running gait, and how to decide what type of shoe is best suited for you.

14. Athlete Spec: Female Collegiate Runner 35+ miles per week
Mild/Severe Overpronater
History of Injuries (stress fractures in right and left feet, ITB syndrome, patellofemoral pain)

15. Saucony Hurricane 14: $75 10.4 oz Max support/cushioning shoe
For Moderate/Severe Overpronation

16. Saucony
Rear View
Side View

17. Nike Dart 10: $65
8.6 oz
Moderate cushioning
For Neutral Gait Runner

18. Nike Rear View Side View
Minimalist shoe, not meant for long mileage, replaced quicker, breaks down easier; harder impact—higher risk for injury

19. Asics GT 2000-2: $85 9.1 oz Maximum Support/Moderate Cushioning
For Moderate Overpronation

20. Asics
Rear View
Side View
, toe point outward

21. Brooks Transcend: $160 9.3 oz Max Stability/Moderate Cushioning
Medial/Lateral side support to allow hip, knee, and joints to move within respective motion path
Curved heels shift you forward for a more aligned stride

22. Brooks Rear View Side View
Flat footed landing, more force on gastronemius muscle

24. Summary: Most expensive shoe isn’t necessarily the best shoe for you
Best way to figure out your shoe type:
Find your arch type
Gait analysis (free at many running stores)
Don’t get lost in the descriptions of shoes
Online Shopping-BEWARE

25. Resources:
Asmussen, E. (1978). International Series on Biomechanics (Vol. 2A). Baltimore, Maryland: University Park Press.
Dungan, S., & Bhat, K. (2005, January 1). Biomechanics and Analysis of Running Gait. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from med/running biomech_PMR clinics.pdf
LEARNING CENTER: HOW TO. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2014, from
Lohman III, E. (2012, September 1). Effects of minimalist shoes on running gait. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from
Gait Analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2014, from specific/running-injuries/gait-analysis
Goss, D., & Gross, M. (2012, July 1). A Review of Mechanics and Injury Trends Among Various Running Styles. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from
Kerrigan, C., Franz, J., Keenan, G., Dicharry, J., & Wilder, R. (2009, January 1). The Effect of Running Shoes on Lower Extremity Joint Torques. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from
Novacheck, T. (1998, January 1). Biomechanics of Running. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from
Soutas-Little, R. (n.d.). Motion Analysis and Biomechanics. Retrieved December 7, 2014, from
Shoe Tips from Asics. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2014, from