Lead Pack Education Series
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Subject 5/5: Pronation
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Much like foot strike (Subject 4/5), pronation is a result of natural biomechanics in each individual. Long thought to be something that requires correction, over-pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward during the runners gait cycle. Under-pronation (or supination) is the opposite, whereby the foot rolls outward during the cycle. Neutral runners do not have a dramatic rolling of the ankle one way or the other and instead have a tendency to strike down the centre of their foot. Pronation is a natural occurrence, and there is no requirement to correct it unless it causes discomfort during running—which is often a result of another issue. What’s more important is to identify any weaknesses or asymmetries occurring during the gait cycle to help prevent injury. Talk to your physiotherapist before resulting to footwear to compensate. Just like foot strike, many world class runners over-pronate and wear neutral footwear; more food for thought.