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Painful knee during downhill running? A runner's knee case

How downhill could be triggering your Runner's knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), commonly known as ‘runner’s knee’, is a prevalent overuse injury that regularly results in relapses after returning to running. Downhill running is a major risk factor in the incidence of patellofemoral pain. Research has shown that patellofemoral stress is a lot higher in downhill running compared to flat-ground and uphill running (French et al. 2018). Unfortunately, we can’t always avoid a hill when the terrain is various. Therefore, learning how to run downhill has its place in the return-to-sports trajectory of a client with patellofemoral pain.

Running gait anlysis software to detect compensations

To address this issue, a thorough running gait analysis using specialized software can be invaluable. Running gait analysis software allows us to assess the runner’s technique and identify areas for improvement, especially in downhill running. By analyzing the data, we can pinpoint the specific areas where the runner struggles.

Patellofemoral pain during downhill running
Running technique data of impact loading rate during flat and downhill running

Can you see in the graph above how the runner struggles to attenuate the shock (i.e., absorb the load) on his injured (right) leg when he runs down the hill? This is visualized by the red line.

"Real-World Running Analysis Data, Including Impact Assessment During Downhill Running, Provides Invaluable Insights Into Pain And Injury, Empowering Us To Be Better Prepared For Future Challenges."

By incorporating targeted interventions based on gait analysis findings, we can work on improving the runner’s descent technique. This will be one of the key factors in reassuring the runner that there are habits they can change to mitigate the risk of PFPS and increase their chances of succeeding in their return to running.

Remember, addressing the mechanics of downhill running is just one aspect of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Combining this with appropriate exercises, strength training, and a gradual return-to-running program tailored to the individual’s needs can lead to better outcomes and reduced chances of PFPS relapse.

5 rEASONS TO USE OUR APP

1. Global movement quality

Track and improve your client’s Runeasi running quality. Identify their weakest link with our advanced visualisation.

2. individual recommendations

Get individual training and cueing recommendations to improve your client’s weakest link.

3. Real-time feedback

Engage your clients through visual gamification and watch how they self-optimize to your verbal cues.

 

4. Session trends

Learn more about your client’s running quality during daily training. Our session trends show when and where the quality drops with fatigue.

5. Quick comparisons

Compare pre-post data to show intervention effects on the movement quality. 

3 REASONS TO CAPTURE DATA USING THE RUNEASI BELT

1. No motion artifacts. The Runeasi belt is secured tightly against the body and the skin to capture the actual movements of the body’s center of mass. Attaching or clipping the sensor directly to the pants would allow the sensor to wobble from side to side (i.e., measuring the wobbling of the pants, and not the human body.

2.  Easy to standardize the sensor’s positioning. The Runeasi belt makes it easy to consistently position the sensor close to the center of mass. Attaching the sensor directly to the pants would dramatically affect the reliability of the outputs as the height and tightness of the pants will affect the results. Moreover, these pants attachments often shift sideways while running which further decreases the data quality. 

 3. Comfortable to wear.  Hundreds of runners confirmed that they immediately forget about our belt while running. This allows them to move without any restrictions and allows us to capture movements that are representative of a client’s true biomechanics.

SENSOR SPECS

LAB GRADE SENSOR

Accurately captures full range of motion and kinetic parameters by leveraging wide sensing range (16 Gs) & high sampling frequency (1000 Hz)

WATER & SCHOCK PROOF

Built to withstand high intensity training and sweating. Suitable for the outdoor elements, come rain or shine. Robust to handle the repetitive and ruthless impact shocks of running.

Lightweight & SLIM

Seamlessly integrates onto the body to support movement without restrictions. Weight: 9.4g/0.33oz with battery. Dimensions (36.6mm/1.44” dia. X 10.6mm/ 0.42” thick)

No charging wireless

Replaceable coin-cell battery with operating time up to months, depending on the usage. Bluetooth® 5.0 radio for effortlessly transmitting data real-time or post-session.