Running technique, injury and performance by Dr Christian Barton - Improving running mechanics for injury will likely help performance - Reduce overstride to reduce breaking force - Increase stiffness of running - Muscular strength and power is vital to optimise running mechanics - Running mechanics are only consideration related to injury and performance

1. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Running recovery and performance
1. Running technique, injury and performance
2. Stretching, how to help recovery
3. How to help recovery through soft tissue work

2. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we
meet today and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
participating in this training.
I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Acknowledgement

3. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Running recovery and performance
1. Running technique, injury and performance
2. Stretching, how to help recovery
3. How to help recovery through soft tissue work

4. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton

5. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
TEAM

6. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
7 to 8pm
1. Running technique, injury and performance
2. Stretching, how to help recovery
3. How to help recovery through soft tissue work
8pm
Question and Answer
The Plan

7. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Running Technique:
Performance and Injury
A/Prof Christian Barton
PhD, Bphysio (Hon), MAPA, MCSP
Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Clinical Director and Physiotherapist, Complete. Physio Exercise Performance, Melbourne, Australia

8. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
• Running > 6km increases symptoms,
including swelling the next day
• Fast running or running downhill increases
symptoms
• Running up hill is better
• Has mild-moderate tibiofemoral and
patellofemoral OA
• Considering arthroscopy
• Encouraged to cycle more – “Running is
bad for your knees Matt”
Meet Matt, who presents with persistent knee pain

9. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Initial assessment with Matt
Running
• Cadence = 160
• Landing with straight knee and moderate
overstride
• Compliant at midstance (ankle DF, anterior
pelvic tilt)
Other objective findings
• Lacking hamstring strength and power
• Tight hip flexor and quad
• Weak through trunk/core
• Weak through quads
• Can’t hop

10. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
1. Lower step rate
2. Greater ankle dorsiflexion at foot strike (straight knee)
3. Landing further from centre of mass (i.e. over-stride)
4. Greater centre of mass vertical excursion (compliant)
Importance of sagittal plane

11. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
• High cadence
• Short contact time
• Stiffer limb (i.e. less compliant)
Distal
• Forefoot/midfoot strike
Proximal
• Powerful hip (transition extension to flexion)
• High knee drive
Key characteristics of running fast

12. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton

13. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton

14. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton

15. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Increasing step rate

16. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Pain
Maladaptive
Behaviours
- Physical changes
- Non-physical
changes
- Increased stress
- Decreased capacity
What is the effect of a running injury?
Education, exercise therapy and
gait retraining

17. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Matt: Foot strike over time

18. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Matt: Midstance over time

19. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton

20. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Shin pain – practical example

21. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
Calf and Achilles – practical example

22. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
1. Improving running mechanics for injury will likely
help performance
2. Reduce overstride to reduce breaking force
3. Increase stiffness of running
4. Muscular strength and power is vital to optimise
running mechanics
5. Running mechanics are only consideration related
to injury and performance
TAKE HOME

23. c.barton@latrobe.edu.au
@DrChrisBarton
1. Running technique, injury and performance
2. Stretching, how to help recovery
3. How to help recovery through soft tissue work
Anything else??
QUESTIONS