Running analysis: what can it be used for, and by whom?

Running analysis has traditionally relied on a professional observing the running, or on costly laboratory examinations [3]. Today video recordings and wearable sensors are also used. At Dr.Dropin, the running is recorded with an adapted camera, and the whole movement chain is assessed by a physiotherapist who goes through the technique together with you [4].

In a systematic review, wearable sensors were generally found to be valid and reliable for measuring running gait compared with reference methods. The measures most often studied are ground contact time, step length, step frequency and impact loading in the lower leg [3]. The review also shows that the field lacks common protocols and agreement on which measures should be used [3].

A running analysis gives a concrete picture of how you run right now. The result can be used as a starting point for guidance on running technique, for exercises specific to running and for choosing shoes. If needed, it can also be considered whether customised insoles are relevant [4].

The analysis can be adapted to your goal. Some want to run with fewer problems, others want to improve performance [4]. Such goals call for different plans. The analysis itself is an assessment, and the effect of the guidance depends on how you follow it up in training.

A systematic review went through seven prospective studies with 59 to 532 runners who were examined at baseline and followed for injuries. None of the measures of strength, mobility and foot posture was consistently linked to injury across the studies. The authors rated the quality of the evidence as very low and ask for caution in interpretation [1].

This does not mean that technique is irrelevant. It means that research so far does not provide a basis for saying that a specific measurement can predict injury in the individual runner. NHI.no mentions weak muscle strength, particularly in the gluteal muscles, and foot posture as possible risk factors, but does not describe running technique in detail [2].

An older Cochrane review, discussed by NHI.no, found no preventive effect of other equipment, such as shock-absorbing insoles. The same applied to warm-up, cool-down and stretching. The review is based on few studies and dates from 2011 [5].

NHI.no describes that overuse injuries in runners most often result from training errors, such as running too far, too often, too fast or too soon. The page recommends that weekly running distance is not increased by more than 10 percent, and that hard sessions are followed by easier days [2].

The page also advises against running through pain, and points out that pain is a warning signal [2]. A running analysis can provide useful information about technique, but it does not replace a plan for how the training is built up over time.

According to NHI.no, you should not run through pain. If the pain lasts for more than a week, the page recommends that you contact a doctor [2].

You can book a running analysis regardless of level, whether you want to prevent problems or improve your running. If you already have problems, a physiotherapist can first examine what triggers them. You can read more about running-related injuries and about foot analysis and insoles.

What is running analysis?

A review of how you run, done at Dr.Dropin with a camera and an assessment of the whole movement chain by a physiotherapist [4].

Can a running analysis prevent injuries?

Research has so far not found that single measures such as strength, mobility or foot posture consistently predict injury, and the quality of the evidence is very low [1]. The analysis can still provide a basis for guidance.

Do I need to be an experienced runner to get a running analysis?

No. Dr.Dropin offers running analysis regardless of level, and adapts it to your goals [4].

How much can I increase my running per week?

NHI.no recommends that the weekly distance is not increased by more than 10 percent [2].

Do expensive running shoes help against injuries?

An older Cochrane review found no preventive effect of other equipment, such as shock-absorbing insoles [5]. The review covers few studies and dates from 2011.

The Achilles tendon is one of the places where runners most often get problems. You can read the related article on Achilles tendon pain. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Christopher SM, McCullough J, Snodgrass SJ, Cook C. Do alterations in muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, and alignment predict lower extremity injury in runners: a systematic review. Arch Physiother. 2019;9:2. doi:10.1186/s40945-019-0054-7. Link

2. Løping - forebygging av overbelastning (Running - preventing overuse). NHI.no. Last updated 28 April 2023. Link

3. Mason R, Pearson LT, Barry G, Young F, Lennon O, Godfrey A, Stuart S. Wearables for Running Gait Analysis: A Systematic Review. Sports Med. 2023;53(1):241-268. doi:10.1007/s40279-022-01760-6. Link

4. Løpsanalyse for alle nivåer (Running analysis for all levels). Dr.Dropin Fysikalske. Link

5. Kvam M. Forebygging av løpeskader (Preventing running injuries). NHI.no. Last updated 25 September 2012. Link