A smarter way to understand your running
At Foundation Clinic, we take a structured, evidence-informed approach to running assessments. We combine gait analysis, training load review, and force-plate testing to help runners understand how their movement, foot strikes, and mechanics influence injury risk and performance. Whether you’re training for a first 5K or chasing a marathon PB, we’ll analyse your running style and show you clear next steps to improve it.
Our running assessment services
We help you understand how your body moves so you can train smarter, reduce injuries, and refine your running form.
Force plate strength testing
Our force-plate system measures ground reaction forces, balance, symmetry, and force production in real time. You’ll see how well key muscle groups are generating force, how evenly you load each leg, and where strength deficits may show up. With this technology, we can assess:
- Strength output
- Jump testing to measure power and explosiveness
- Functional and isolated strength capacity
- Limb loading symmetry and movement patterns
- Speed of movement and elements of motor control
Running gait analysis
Our running form analysis uses observational assessment, treadmill recording, and frame-by-frame replay to help you understand your running form, foot rolls, and overall biomechanics. We look at:
- How your foot lands and loads
- Alignment through the ankle, knee, hip and pelvis
- Gait patterns from heel contact to toe-off
- Stride and step length
- Posture, cadence and efficiency
- Any signs of overstriding, instability or compensatory movement strategies
- How these patterns relate to your running style and injury history
The process is simple:
- We review your running history, footwear, goals and any previous injuries.
- You’ll walk or run on the treadmill while we record from multiple angles.
- Your Physio analyses the footage, explains the key points, and highlights opportunities to refine.
- We guide you toward the right technique adjustments, training changes, or, when relevant, the right running shoes.
Training plan analysis
Running technique matters, but so does smart loading. Overuse injuries often stem from many factors, especially poor weekly planning or sudden changes in volume. In this session, we analyse your:
- Training load and progression
- Intensity distribution
- Running volume vs recovery
- Race schedule and lifestyle pressure
- Strength and mobility balance
Senior Physiotherapist Craig Newland brings an up-to-date, research-backed understanding of human gait, biomechanics, and technique. Certified by The Running Clinic, he works with runners of all levels, from new park runners to ultramarathon athletes.
Education and technique training
We break down the ‘why’ behind your running style to help you train smarter in the long term. Topics include:
- Acute vs chronic training load
- Internal and external training stresses
- Nutrition for training and race weeks
- Strength training for runners
- Recovery and mobility planning
- How to adjust your technique safely
- How to identify early signs of overload
Book your running assessment in Tauranga or Hamilton
Whether you're recovering from an injury, preparing for an event, or wanting to refine your running technique, our Physiotherapists are here to help you move better and run smarter. Book your running assessment at our Tauranga or Hamilton clinic and take the first step toward more efficient, confident movement.
