title: Effects of Form-Focused Training on Running Biomechanics: A Pilot Randomized Trial in Untrained Individuals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the changes in running biomechanics after training in form-focused running using ChiRunning versus not-form focused training and self-directed training in untrained individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pilot study-randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research institution with tertiary care medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventeen subjects (9 men, 8 women) with prehypertension.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two participants were randomized to 3 study arms but 17 completed the study. The study arms were: (1) group-based Form-Focused running using ChiRunning (enrolled, n = 10; completed, n = 7); (2) group-based conventional running (enrolled, n = 6; completed, n = 4); and (3) self-directed training with educational materials (enrolled, n = 6; completed, n = 6). The training schedule was prescribed for 8 weeks with 4 weeks of follow-up. All subjects completed overground running motion analyses before and after training. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier for this study is NCT0158718.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ankle, knee, hip joint peak moments, and powers; average vertical loading rate (AVLR); impact peak; cadence; stride length; strike index; and stride reach. Paired t tests were used to compare differences within groups over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Form-focused group reduced their Stride Reach (P = .047) after the training but not the other groups. Form-focused group showed a close to significant reduction in knee adduction moment (P = .051) and a reduction in the peak ankle eversion moment (P = .027). Self-directed group showed an increase in the running speed (P = .056) and increases in ankle and knee joint powers and moments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are differences in the changes in running biomechanics between individuals trained in running form that emphasizes mid-foot strike, greater cadence, and shorter stride compared with those not trained in the these techniques. These differences may be associated with reduced lower extremity stress in individuals trained in this running form, but more studies are needed to confirm these findings in larger samples.
authors: Musculoskeletal Quantitative Imaging Research Group, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; and Division of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
authors: Deepak
authors: D
authors: Kumar
authors: Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
authors: Kelly
authors: K
authors: McDermott
authors: Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
authors: Haojun
authors: H
authors: Feng
authors: Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
authors: Veronica
authors: V
authors: Goldman
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Luke
authors: Musculoskeletal Quantitative Imaging Research Group, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
authors: Richard B
authors: RB
authors: Souza
authors: Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
authors: Frederick M
authors: FM
authors: Hecht
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D058246:Prehypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*
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