How is a running 3D analysis tool used in practice?
It’s no secret that using a 3D system for running analysis will provide a great variety of biomechanical parameters, accurately and in real time. When dealing with runners, these systems help improving their technique, preventing injuries and assessing recovery.But how is a running 3D analysis system used in practice? The are numerous cases of people’s lives having changed by using the correct assessment and therapy, and today we would like to mention one.Dr. Doug Adams is a Physical Therapist specialized in exercise science and has also competed in triathlons himself. He is a therapist in the Association of Clinical Excellence (ACE) and works on a daily basis with a gait and running analysis tool called Trace 3D, developed by STT Systems.
Brian is one of Doug’s patients. He is a 41-year-old who started running at the age of 13 and it has become not only part of his life but also his identity. Through the years, he has struggled with different injuries that stopped him in several occasions. His will to run made him come back without being fully recovered, and the performance obviously did not match his potential, as he said: “Whether stubborn or stupid, I was determined to complete the route without walking, although anxiety about causing a significant injury did make me run it slower than I wanted to”.
He eventually visited Dr. Doug Adams, who conducted a Trace 3D analysis. In his words: “I (…) ran on the treadmill for a few minutes, while a sophisticated array of cameras and measuring devices recorded my every move. Doug showed me the fascinating results on his laptop screen, which included a 3D depiction of my skeletal lower-body in motion, alongside a traditional video of my legs running on the treadmill. Next to this, a collection of blue and red numbers reflected various angles and measurements for my initial foot contact, mid-stance, and swing phase”.

The interface shows a 3D view of the runner in real time

Creating a report with key data is crucial