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Ed Yeates ReportingRunners say their backs are hurting and they want to know why. Even more, they want to know how to stop the pain without giving up running. For the first time, the University of Massachusetts is beginning a study, hoping for some answers.
At Utah's Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, or TOSH as it's called, Jeremy Christensen is wired from shoulder to toe, running on a special treadmill -- one of only three or four of its kind in the world. And while he does what he would normally do outside, Joseph Seay from the University of Massachusetts watches his every move, translated in real time via a unique 3D system.
Jeremy here is one of 60 runners participating in the study. He's had lower back pain for about a year now.
Jeremy Christensen, Study Volunteer: "Last year I was training for the Salt Lake marathon. Began having some back pain and I'm not sure why. Been running for years and haven't had any problems."
With special infrared cameras and electronic markers attached to the runners, researchers can track every twist of a bone, every stretch of a tendon, the positioning of hips and joints.
Steve Swanson, TOSH Researcher: "Then the treadmill is a special treadmill that allows us to measure the forces with high precision, so we know exactly what the loads are that Jeremy is experiencing while he's running."
About one of out every ten first year runners develop low back pain. Seven out every one hundred seasoned runners get it as well.
Joseph Seay, University of Massachusetts: "Running has an increased impact that we think puts more stress on tissues and the bones and the disks. All that comprises the lower back."
No one has done this study before. Results, when tabulated, might change the way we run, but more likely, perhaps, the design of running shoes.
If you are interested in taking part in this study, please call Joe or Steve at 801-314-4037, or email LBPrunningstudy@hotmail.com.
