Treadmill test helps runners buy better, train healthier

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kelly White
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Whether running for enjoyment, general fitness or competition, improved performance is most always a desired aspect of the sport.

Because few things can put the kibosh to a runner's progress faster than a running injury, the base health and wellness center staff urges Misawa runners not to kick their training plan into "improved performance mode" with added miles, hills and interval runs, until they know they're wearing the right shoes.

"Shoes are the most important piece of equipment -- by far -- to performing," said Lindsay Buckalew, 35th Aerospace Medicine Squadron exercise physiologist. "To help people figure out what shoe is right for them, they can come (to the HAWC) to get a gait analysis."

The gait analysis takes only minutes to do. Wearing shorts that provide visibility of the knees, the runner steps barefoot onto a treadmill, begins with a walk and progresses to a run. The HAWC staff member video records the activity. After the runner steps off the treadmill, the staff member replays the video and shows the runner his walking and running form in action.

"We first evaluate how they walk, looking at the inside of the ankle and knee," explained Mr. Buckalew. "Then, we increase the tempo to a run and explain what happens as the impact of their body weight is multiplied three to five times, and how angles and forces impact the bones, ligaments and tendons in the lower extremity. They have to see it to believe it."

Seventy-five percent of the time, a runner's problem can be corrected simply by getting matched with the right pair of shoes, Mr. Buckalew added.

There is a shoe type for each of the three types of runners -- motion-control for over pronators -- those whose feet roll inward too much; stability for neutral runners; and cushioning shoes for supinators -- those whose feet roll outward too much.

One Airman who had his gait examined, Staff Sgt. Alpheus Escudero, 35th Maintenance Operations Squadron, said he's purchased two different pairs of running shoes in the past year, but neither helped him run without "tired knees."

Mr. Buckalew showed Sergeant Escudero that he walks with his feet externally rotated, instead of straight forward, and that his feet are very flat.

"No arch in his foot is causing stress on the inside of his knee," said Mr. Buckalew "This results in pain on the outside of his knee or causes his quad to try to compensate which is why he says his knees feel tired."

Mr. Buckalew said a motion-control shoe with extra durability will help Sergeant Escudero to an extent, but a change in his exercise routine is also necessary to adequately remedy his problem.

"Long-term, if he trains his leg muscles and adductors, this will help turn his foot straight when he walks," Mr. Buckalew said. "When he runs, he should also consciously drive his hands straight forward, which will tend to also drive his feet straight forward. And because he has such flat feet, I recommend orthotics, as well."

Another runner, Staff Sgt. Adam Grosek, 35th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, who also recently took the gait analysis, said he'd been diagnosed with a foot problem and he wants to be sure the running shoes he buys next are the right pair to help remedy his problem.

"When Sergeant Grosek walks, his heel strikes first, which is normal," Mr. Buckalew said. "But as his foot settles, he loses his arch and his ankle comes inward. For walking, he needs a motion-control shoe for support.

"As he starts to run, things change," Mr. Buckalew added. "He lands on his toes instead of his heel, which calls for a totally different shoe. Toe runners need a cushioning shoe."

Mr. Buckalew gave Sergeant Grosek a list of suggested cushioning shoes to wear when he runs, but urged him be sure the shoes he walks in offer the support of a motion-control shoe, and that his problem could also be aggravated by walking around barefoot.

Sergeant Grosek said having the analysis benefitted him in two ways.

"It explained how the shoe he recommended for me will help with my problem," said the sergeant. "And the list of actual shoes for my type of foot was even more helpful. I can go to the (base exchange) and know what to look for."

Misawa Airmen interested in taking advantage of the HAWC's gait analysis should sign up https://www.php-ids.net/admin/. Family members should call the HAWC at 226-6550.