Q&A

Overuse injuries are most often related to abnormal or excessive loading of the lower limb joints which causes damage to the surrounding structures. We use a 3-step process which aims to alleviate excessive joint loading in systematic manner: 1. Identify risk –> 2. Identify and implement corrective action –> 3. Verify corrective action

1. MotionMetrix measures a number of different  loading variables on you knee and hip joints and then compares them with the normal distribution for a group of over 600 runners. If a loading variable, for instance the frontal moment at the left knee, is found to be significantly higher than the mean, then that variable can be considered a potential risk factor for injuries.
2. Next step is to relate the excessive loading variable to characteristic features in your running stride. For this, we use MotionMetrix’s unique correlation database that connects loading variables to specific stride parameters and anthropometrics. When a match is found, the loading variable can in most cases be tuned down by a targeted correction to your stride but may in some cases require physiotherapeutic interventions, strength training, altered footwear and so on. Whatever action is taken, it is crucial to verify that it has the desired effect by executing the final step 3.
3. Make a re-test to verify that the corrective action has had the desired result.

MotionMetrix’s Running Economy (RE) index is a measure of how much mechanical energy it costs to move 1 kg of your body 1 m forward while running at a constant speed. The lower the better. In contrast to traditional RE measurements by oxygen uptake, MotionMetrix’s RE index does not depend on your training level, body weight or any other physiological factor, it only responds to your running mechanics. Therefore, you can in a unique way get instant feedback on corrections to your running stride for improved efficiency – without anything attached to your body. You can also compare your RE with the elite in a fair way, ignoring training level. Perhaps you have what it takes to become an elite runner, mechanically speaking? Read more about MotionMetrix’s running economy index here.

A MotionMetrix test is done on a treadmill at a freely chosen speed and takes about 45 seconds. In principle you can come as you are. However, to get the most out of a test, we recommend that you:

1. Wear running thights. MotionMetrix analyses the shape of your body segments to derive the segment angles and the more realistic your body segments appear, the better the result.
2. Warm up for a few minutes, preferably on a treadmill if possible, to find your natural running stride. Your stride characteristics are usually representative at a lower speed than you race speed so you don’t need to run fast during the test unless you want to.

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