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Running
Injury Clinic
The running injury
clinic was developed to provide a diagnostic service to injured runners
in order to help understand the cause of their injuries. The evaluation
includes a computerized gait analysis that utilizes a state of the art
motion analysis laboratory. The cost is comparable to other
forms of clinical diagnostic testing. Some insurance carriers reimburse
for this level of evaluation but in general the cost is covered by the
patient. |
What is included?
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An initial evaluation
is performed to determine how one's structure may be influencing
their movement. This comprehensive evaluation includes taking a detailed
injury history, assessing shoes and abnormal wear patterns, and assessing
structure and alignment focusing on the trunk and lower extremity.
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A gait analysis includes
the monitoring of movement patterns as the patient runs across the laboratory.
Data are collected using a 6 camera motion analysis system. Angles
and speeds of joint motion can be determined from this information.
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Runners traverse a force
plate centered in the middle of the runway. These force measurements
describe the way in which a runner applies forces to the ground and can
provide information regarding balance and weight distribution as well as
excessive loading that may be occurring.
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Videotaping is done
from the front, rear and side to provide a visual assessment of the runner.
Interpretation of
Gait Analysis:
The information
from the structural assessment, the biomechanics and the injury history
are then integrated together in order to plan the best course of treatment
for this patient. This is performed by Dr. Irene McClay, PhD, PT who is
a trained physical therapist and holds a doctorate
in the biomechanics of gait. From this analysis, recommendations are typically
made in the following areas:
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Orthotics - braces to
control unwanted movement or facilitate normal movement.
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Footwear - prescribe
shoes or shoe modifications which will optimize one's gait pattern
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Therapy therapeutic
intervention to strengthen and or increase flexibility of muscles which
may be contributing to the abnormal gait pattern.
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Mechanics - recommendations
to change one's mechanics which may be contributing to the abnormal gait
and symptoms the patient is experiencing.
*Please call the
clinic (302-831-8893) for more information on the running clinic or to
schedule a running clinic evaluation |
053 McKinly Laboratory | University
of Delaware | Newark, DE 19716 | phone 302-831-8893 | fax 302-831-4468
Comments about this page to: krudolph@udel.edu
last edited June, 2000
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