SOLE Blog

December 9th, 2011

SOLE works with run3D to reduce injuries in runners

On Tuesday we attended the opening of run3D, the UK's first 3D motion analysis clinic for runners. Olympic & SOLE athlete, Jo Pavey was the guest of honour and the first to experience the cutting edge technology, which uses infrared cameras to create a 3D model of your running style. Jo had suffered two bouts of stress fractures in her foot, before discovering SOLE footbeds, which have helped her both recover and achieve her Olympic-qualifying time for the 2012 London Olympics.

Taking things a step further, the run3D assessment identified the root cause of the stress fractures. Removing SOLE insoles from her running shoes for the gait analysis, we were able to see that Jo's left foot has reduced pronation, and therefore lower shock absorbing qualities, which explains why she's suffered these injuries, and why SOLE insoles have helped her get back to competing again. Jo was thrilled with the results, "Not only do I now know what was causing me to get injured, I am also armed with the tools to rectify this."

How is this gait analysis different?

You're probably wondering why this gait analysis is any different from the one done in your local running shop. The difference is all in the additional angles and the accuracy. Your local running store has a tread mill and one camera aimed at you from the back. It doesn't capture the side view, or the rotational view from the top, so essentially you're only getting 33% of the information. In addition the run3D software utilises a growing running injury database that helps pinpoint irregularities within the gait that can cause injuries.

Unbelievably, over 50% of runners get injured each year. A run3D assessment builds a picture of your biomechanics and identifies movement patterns that are likely to have caused an injury, or that will increase your risk of injury in the future. The results allow injuries to be avoided, or treated more effectively.

Jo's take on run3D

"Run3D has given me the opportunity to address my injury problems and that's really exciting for me. It's perfect timing as we're just about to go into Olympic year and I don't want to leave any stone unturned. I want to be able to train harder than ever before and really push the boundaries but I also want to know that I can do it safely without putting myself at risk of further injury. Now I've got the results of my assessment and I can see the areas of concern, I'll know exactly what I need to do if a niggle develops."

Is this right for me?

According to Jo, "Athletes of all abilities can benefit from a run3D assessment. Whether you're a recreational runner or a competing athlete, having an assessment will help you to stay injury free by giving you the opportunity to address any issues you may have, before they develop into a full blown injury. You'll be able to avoid the disappointment that injury brings and ensure you get to the starting line every time."

The BBC came along to film the action and you can view a short news clip at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-16080022

To learn more about SOLE and run3D, please visit: yoursole.co.uk/run3d

Posted by: Matt Lambert at 1:32 p.m. in Foot Health | Comments (2)