Running is one of the most popular sports in the world. It requires minimal start up costs, but of course the more serious you get, the more equipment you need to support your body and feet in your running. Injuries are frequent, especially among those who merely do it as a hobby and don’t follow proper running protocols or have their running gait corrected. One of the most common injuries is known as runners knee. There’s many causes for this condition, but one cause that is rarely considered is the speed of the run. In other words, is it better to run fast or slow?
A study published in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Therapy asked this question. Is it better to run fast or slow? A group of runners were asked to run a distance of 1000 metres over three different speeds, 5, 7 and 10mph.
What did they discover based on this study? They discovered that the faster speed was actually more beneficial possibly due to the fact that fewer strides are required to cover the same distance. While the force exerted on the body at the faster speed is no doubt greater than that at lower speed, the overall benefit to the fewer strides seems to override this. So run faster is the answer?
Yes, and no.
It depends. And that’s something we can help ascertain at Back and Body Springfield. There are other factors to consider. Firstly, is the runner prone to structural damage in the form of strains and sprains? If so, the greater running speed may not be wise, at least so soon after injury. This is why we tailor to the patients needs and why collaborative care approach yields such high success rates at our practice.
We are able to come together, chiropractors, physical therapists, medical doctors and more and with the information we have we can produce a specific plan that will not only get you out of pain and injury free, but do so by correcting any faults in your run, educate you for better running shoes even, all with the aim of reducing your risk of injury in the future. This is our key service and has already helped thousands of patients.
Our collaborative care can help you if you are injured. Let us help you get fit properly and help you understand new ways and techniques in staying fit and healthy. Call us today.
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