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Clinical Examination of the Runner: Assessment, Testing,
Gait Correlations, and Corrections

Presented by Jay Dicharry

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Optimizing running form requires that the runner bring a specific set of athletic skills to the starting line. This course discusses the impact of mobility and stability, specifically as it relates to running. Essential criteria for optimal gait, as well as the types of issues can be expected in running form if isolated deficits are identified. Finally, specific exercises, cues, and techniques to improve the deficits observed will be demonstrated. The goal of this course is to insert a better runner into the sport of running.

Meet your instructor

Jay Dicharry

Jay Dicharry built his international reputation as an expert in biomechanical analysis as Director of the SPEED Clinic at the University of Virginia. Through this innovative venture, Jay was able to blend the fields of clinical practice and engineering to better understand and eliminate the cause of overuse injuries in…

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Chapters & learning objectives

The Reason for Clinical Exam Table Analysis in Runners

1. The Reason for Clinical Exam Table Analysis in Runners

The participant will describe the relationship between running form and body function, and explain the need for a runner to adopt gait pattern that reflects their individual structural alignment. The participant will also describe the need for adequate mobility and dynamic stability to achieve a running gait that minimizes stress on the body and optimizes economy.

Identifying Problems: Musculoskeletal Examination of the Runner

2. Identifying Problems: Musculoskeletal Examination of the Runner

The participant will describe critical clinical tests and movement screens that are specific to running athletes, and be able to successfully conduct these assessments on their patients and athletes to identify specific deficits. Participants will also develop the skills to explain the impact of isolated deficits on body function both at the site, and the entire kinematic chain.

Clinical Limitations on Gait: What Does This Look Like?

3. Clinical Limitations on Gait: What Does This Look Like?

The participant will examine how clinical deficits in body function directly impact running gait, and describe how running with this compensated form can alter biomechanics and compromise the body via tissue overload or sub-optimal bioenergetics.

Putting it All Together

4. Putting it All Together

The participant will identify critical restrictions that impact postural alignment, joint mobility, stability, and end range control. Based on these observations the participant will develop a specific treatment plan to correct clinical imbalances and optimize body function for running.

Exercise Prescription

5. Exercise Prescription

The participant will demonstrate corrective techniques for tissue mobilization and elongation to the upper and lower quarter, and apply corrective exercises, drills, and feedback to optimize postural alignment and joint stability. The participant will learn to target specific techniques toward the level of deficit of each individual patient in order to optimize neuromuscular control, and to ensure that new movement skills are reflected in running training.