1. Field Work Project Proposal
Sunday, April 19th, 2015
Thom Manning
Purpose: Create a screening protocol specific to running
using observational data gathering over the course of a
summer-long internship at the Natural Running Center in
Shepherdstown, West Virginia with Dr. Mark Cucuzella.
Motivation: Running injuries of the lower extremities
affect athletes of all levels and disciplines in the range
of 19.4-79.3% of the population per year and that range
grows to 92.4% when non-lower extremity injuries are
considered (van Gent, 2007). Correcting running mechanics
by gait retraining and strength training have produced
equivocal results (Sato, 2009). What role can modern
corrective methods play in improving running efficiency and
how can these methods be adapted to be more running
specific?
Key Aspects
 Built from existing systems of evaluations
 Tests reflect primitive requirements for healthy
running
 Tests measure joint mobility as a system and
independently
 Focus on ability to generalize to any sport where
running is involved
 Utilize available technology to better assess athletes
(e.g. Microgait, TrueForm Runner (TFR))
Possible Sequence of Responsibilities
 Familiarize myself with the space where assessments
will take place and maximize available materials
 As interested participants apply, assess with
developed protocol taking baseline measures
 Create simple program of corrective exercises to pair
with the regular running training of the participants
to provide treatment variable
 Request the participants return in 4-6 weeks for
follow-up assessment and ask for self-reporting to
have idea of adherence

2. Possible components to Running Protocol
 Assessing breathing patterns/methods
 Posture from quarter squat position
 Hip stability/positioning (active)
 Knee stability/positioning (active)
 Ankle stability/positioning (active)
 Multi-segmental flexion/extension/rotation
 Thoracic spine mobility/asymmetry
 Head/neck mobility/asymmetry
Breathing Patterns/Methods
Addressing shortcomings in breathing patterns and
methods could promote postural restoration, more efficient
energy use, and breathing capacity. With restored posture,
athletes benefit from proper tilt in the pelvis, which
repositions the correct curve of the spine, improves rib
flair, and diaphragm positioning (Comereski, 2004).
Gluteus, abdominal, and quadriceps muscles are more
effectively activated as hip flexor, lumbar spine, and
hamstrings muscles return to a more balanced position if
anterior hip position is corrected (Postural Restoration
Institute, 2012).
Assessment: Simple breathing questionnaire and visual
evaluation throughout interview and sample jog on TFR.
Posture
Characteristics of posture to note are head position
above the shoulders, natural lordosis and kyphosis of the
spine, a neutral pelvis, and no hyperextension in the
knees. These characteristics will be addressed with
breathing as well. The following assessment will also shed
light on the mobility of the leg joints as they perform in
unison. Mobility of the three joints of the leg will give a
good idea of how the athlete may move his/her own body
while running.
Assessment: Assessment with Microgait camera by taking
pictures in RFE quarter squat on each leg. A picture is
taken of the ant/post sagittal and frontal views then used
to complete “Posture Analysis” table on page 4.
Corrective: BadGood w/shoulder pack, “100-Up” minor
exercise with corrective cues, overhead carries. Backward
jogging, Leg swing (frontal and sagittal plane), Single Leg
Hip swing Squat and Lunge with inelastic strap resistance
sagittal and frontal Supine Hip Sway, Piriformis deep
tissue manipulation, Pigeon stretch, Pronated plank hip
extension, Plank hip ab/adduction, SLR w/bent flexed

3. opposite knee, Passive knee hang, Ankle Pump (supine
dorsiflexion), Towel scrunch, Heel raises w/eversion-
inversion, Theraband ankle ROM, Gastroc/soleus stretch
Multi-segmental flexion/extension/rotation
Running is an activity that involves movement of the
posterior and anterior kinetic chains from head to toe. The
ability of the athlete to flex, extend, and rotate
throughout these joints will indicate the potential quality
of movement.
Assessment: The FMS Deep Squat, Hurdle Step, Rotary
Stability, and Inline Lunge.
Correction: Hip bridge w/marching
Thoracic spine mobility/asymmetry
Continuing inferiorly down the body, asymmetries
displayed in the thoracic spine may reveal an imbalance in
motion that causes chronic pain locally or farther down the
kinetic chain.
Assessment: FMS Shoulder Mobility test, Uni-lateral
Shoulder Flexion from quarter squat position, Quadruped
shoulder flexion, Quadruped Cat/Cow.
Corrective: Plank (elbows) scapula flexion, Plank
alternating shoulder flexion/extension, Internal rotation
stretch (strap behind the back), bilateral maximal shoulder
flexion with deep breathing, Side bending with late
inhalation, Scapular wall slide.
Head/neck mobility/asymmetry
Measuring the mobility of the neck runner could reveal
large asymmetries that may cause chronic pain because of
the positioning of the head after long bouts of exercise.
Assessment: From the same position as the posture
assessment, prompt the athlete to maximally rotate the chin
toward the shoulder. Measure the distance traveled for each
direction. Take picture of neutral chin and rotated chin
each direction.
Correction: Assisted levator stretch w/CL hand under
hip, Lateral head hang.

4. Posture Analysis
Posture Aspect Ant Sagittal Post Sagittal Frontal
Toe In/Out —— ——
Foot Pro./Sup. ——
Knee Valgus/Varus ——
Torso/Hip Angle —— ——
Rib Float ——
Increased
Lordosis/Kyphosis
——
Uneven
Shoulders/Scapula
Head Position ——
Tests will not be applicable in all perspectives.

5. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Comereski, J. S., Niedzielski, M. (2004). The effects of
posture on running performance: A case study. American
Medical Athletic Association Journal, 17(1), 8-10.
Sato, K. and Mokha, M. (2009). Does core strength training
influence running kinetics, lower-extremity stability,
and 5000-M performance in runners? Journal of Strength
and Conditioning Research, 23(1), 133-140.
Van Gent, R. N., Siem, D., van Middelkoop, M., van Os, A.
G., Bierma-Zeinsfra, S. M. A., & Koes, B. W. (2007).
Incidence and determinants of lower extremity running
injuries in long distance runners: a systematic
review. British Journal of Sports Science, 41(8), 469-
480.
Postural Restoration Institute. (2012). [Video explanation
of muscle activation in running with proper hip
alignment]. Lori Thomsen’s Running Video. Retrieved
from
https://www.posturalrestoration.com/community/post/576
/lori-thomsens-latest-running-video?id=576