Dear Editor:
The Fort Leavenworth Lamp featured an article, “Experts say foot shape shouldn’t influence running shoes,” July 29, discussing the selection of running shoes and its relationship to lower-extremity injuries. According to this article, recent research found that the type of running shoe an individual wore did not have a direct relationship to injury rates. This article also stated that of the approximately 1 million lower-extremity injuries reported each year, the majority were caused by running. If improper running shoe selection is not a factor in injury rates, what is? I believe that the primary culprit is improper running form.
Soldiers run from day one in the military. They run to chow, they run to formation, and they run during physical training, but who taught them how to run? With the small exception of Soldiers who were on a high school or college track team, I would venture to say that the vast majority of our Army has never had any formal instruction on proper running techniques. This lack of training results in poor form and potential injury.
Improper form is seen on every Army post during early morning PT. The runner who strides out and then heel strikes, the runner who leans back instead of forward, and the runner who runs on his or her toes are all examples of bad form. This bad form results in shin splints, back and knee pain, and slower run times.
So what is to be done? I suggest the Army start by training drill instructors in proper running form. Drill instructors could then train their Soldiers. Basic Training is the first place the usual recruit begins running on a regular basis, and training Soldiers there would maximize the investment over the long term. Multiple organizations offer training on proper running techniques at reasonable rates, and many of these organizations will travel to your location to provide the training.
I believe if the Army trains Soldiers how to run properly there will be a significant decrease in lower-extremity injuries. Fewer injuries mean increased capacity, as more Soldiers will be fully able to perform their assigned duties. Decreased injuries will also result in fewer dollars spent on treatment. Besides a decrease in injuries, increased capacity and dollars saved, proper running form should result in faster and fitter Soldiers. In the end, these positives should more than offset the initial expense of paying outside companies to train our drill instructors in proper running techniques.
Maj. Chad Rambo
Fort Leavenworth
