Summary: Physical activity, including running, is important to general health by way of prevention of chronic illnesses and their precursors. To keep runners healthy, it is paramount that one has sound knowledge of the biomechanics of running and assessment of running gait. More so, improving performance in competitive runners is based in sound training and rehabilitation practices that are rooted firmly in biomechanical principles. This article summarized the biomechanics of running and the means with which one can evaluate running gait. The gait assessment techniques for collecting and analyzing kinetic and kinematic data can provide insights into injury prevention and treatment and performance enhancement. Content of the article: Outline Anatomy and biomechanics Walking versus running Changes in running gait with increased velocity Gait cycle Initial contact to foot flat Foot flat to heel-off Heel-off to toe-off Initial swing Terminal swing Running gait analysis Observational gait analysis Motion analysis Force plate analysis Dynamic electromyography Energetic measurements of gait Stride analysis Summary References
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