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Fixing Knee Pain In Running...Don't Just Strengthen

cadence collapser Dec 24, 2019

Collapsing

In our last post, we discussed the idea of a collapsing runner. This is someone who either shows a Trendelenberg in the stance phase of gait, or collapses inward at the knee through hip internal rotation and adduction. This is common with runners experiencing knee pain.

Many times we find the typical initial prescription is hip strengthening. It makes perfect sense. The hip abductors and external rotators do not possess enough strength to control the collapse. Many runners will see improved pain levels with this plan, but it is also important to realize that many runners may have a reoccurrence of the pain at a later time. Is it possible that one of the reasons your runner improved is partially due to the time they likely spent reducing their running volume while in rehab?

Here’s the thing. Just because you improve a runner’s hip strength does not mean his/her running gait will change.²  If running brought on the pain and we’re not fixing the running mechanics, then we’re addressing only half the problem!

With that said if you’re not fixing the strength deficits, your ability to fix the running likely may also not be successful.  It is vitally important to know whether your fix needs to be aimed at mobility, motor control, strength, or a running technique impairment.  We use the ACE Running Readiness Screen and perform a running gait analysis  to determine what area(s) should be addressed.

Once there is adequate mobility, strength, and pain is under control, it is imperative that we move a step past just strengthening and perform gait retraining. There are many ways to accomplish this.  Just a few options are:

1. Biofeedback: We use Trace 3D motion capture for analysis and feedback.  You can also use a mirror or another form of biofeedback to cue the patient
2. Provide verbal cues, such as, “pretend there are flashlights on your knees, and point them straight ahead”
3. Manipulate Cadence

Cadence

We’re going to focus on manipulating cadence. Many runners demonstrate a slower than ideal cadence. If you’re unfamiliar with cadence, it refers to the number of foot strikes over a 1 minute time period. It can be calculated by counting the steps a runner takes or instantaneously provided by many running watches. The runner pictured was running at 155 steps per minute, which is extremely low, even for a 10 minute mile pace.  Some suggestions when manipulating cadence discuss the ideal number is 180 steps per minute, but it is important to realize the cadence for a 12 minute mile and a 6 minute mile are much different.....and very different for a 5 foot tall runner and a 6'6" runner!  Instead of assuming a set number, make a goal of increasing cadence 5-10%. This has been shown to reduce the collapsing nature shown in these runners and can be a great 1st step in helping on the road to recovery.¹

Looking to take the next step in your road to becoming a running expert?  Join us in becoming a hero to runners with our Certified Running Gait Analyst Level 1 Course.

 

Blog Post Written by: Ari Kaplan, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, COMT, Cert MDT

Follow me on Twitter: AriKaplanPT

LinkedIn: Ari Kaplan

Instagram: CertifiedRunningGaitAnalyst

 

1. Heiderscheit, B. C., Chumanov, E. S., Michalski, M. P., Wille, C. M., & Ryan, M. B. (2011). Effects of step rate manipulation on joint mechanics during running. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43(2), 296–302.
2. Willy RW, Davis IS. The effect of a hip-strengthening program on mechanics during running and during a single-leg squat. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;4(9):625-632.

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