Disclaimer

These are brief, simplified comments provided for general informational purposes only. They do not reflect the full scope or complexity of Ochy’s shoe recommendation engine. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is offered solely to provide limited insights into the metrics discussed.

In the Ochy app, the back view” shows the runner from behind. This perspective is essential for detecting injury risks and imbalances between the left and right sides of the body.

The analysis focuses on three key angles:

Understanding these angles provides valuable insights into a runner’s biomechanics and allows us to recommend shoes that help reduce injury risks and improve running efficiency.

The angle between the left and right hip, compared to an imaginary flat line, observed when one foot is on the ground. Pelvic drop happens when one hip sinks lower than the other while running.

Pelvic drop indicates imbalance between left and ride sides. This uneven movement is closely linked to injuries. Even a small increase can greatly raise the risk of getting hurt. Research shows that for every 1° increase in pelvic drop; the likelihood of injuries rises by 80%.

Knee abduction means the knee caves inward while the lower leg angles outward. Knee adduction is the opposite: the knee points outward while the lower leg angles inward. Both movements can place extra stress on the knee joint and increase the risk of pain or injury.

Shoe recommendations

For adduction (knee shifts outward), shoes with higher heel-to-toe drop or arch support can help realign the knee. For abduction (knee collapses inward), shoes with a lower heel-to-toe drop may be more effective.

This angle shows how much the foot rolls inward (pronation) or outward (supination) when it hits the ground. A little roll is normal, but too much in either direction increases injury risk.

Excessive pronation is linked to reduced running economy and, consequently, with intensity of effort. Abnormal pronation has been implicated in numerous injuries, including pelvic and hip dysfunction, knee pain, shin splints, stress fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis.

Shoe recommendations

For excessive pronation, motion-control shoes help limit excessive inward rolling. For excessive supination, cushioned shoes with higher midsole thickness or lighter designs reduce stress and improve comfort.

The “side view” on the Ochy app shows the runner on the side. This perspective helps detect positions that may increase the risk of injuries while also showing how runners can optimize their posture to improve performance. From this view, seven angles are analyzed: head, arms, back, front leg, back leg, overstride, and foot landing; as well as five spatio-temporal parameters: step frequency, step length, ground contact time, swing time, and duty factor.

The head angle measures how the head is positioned in relation to a level, straight line.

Excessive upward gaze can lead to muscle tension both in the neck and along the spine, causing fatigue and discomfort. Looking too high can also result in less effective breathing, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply to the muscles.

The arm angle is formed by the elbow at foot strike.

A too closed arm movement can lead to excessive muscle tension in the shoulders, biceps, triceps, and back muscles. An improper arm movement can cause muscle imbalance between the upper and lower body.

The back angle measures the position of the torso relative to a straight line.

Running too upright makes your lower back work harder. This causes quicker fatigue and a higher chance of back pain. A slight forward lean spreads the effort across your whole body.

The front leg angle represents knee flexion at foot strike.

If the leading leg is too bent during foot placement on the ground while running, it can lead to a loss of efficiency and potentially increase the risk of injuries.

Shoe recommendations

Light shoes can encourage greater knee flexion for elite athletes and treadmill runners. Outdoor runners could benefit from more cushioned, maximalist models.

The back leg angle measures knee flexion of the opposite leg at foot strike.

A restricted leg cycle imposes limitations on the range of motion in the hip, thereby affecting propulsion efficiency. This restriction can also have adverse effects on the knees and ankles, increasing the risk of injury. Adopting shorter strides significantly amplifies the energy expenditure required to maintain a given speed. This increased energy demand can result in early fatigue.

The overstride angle is defined by the position of the foot relative to the body’s center of gravity.

If your foot lands too far in front of your body, it works like a brake. This puts extra stress on your joints and muscles and often leads to injuries.

The foot strike angle measures the relationship between the foot and the tibia.

Heel strike

When the heel strike occurs in front of the centre of gravity, the initial contact point is in front of the body, leading to a noticeable braking phase. This type of landing places a strong strain on the anterior musculoskeletal structures, particularly at the knee joint and the extensors of the lower limb.

Flat foot landing

When the mid-foot landing occurs in front of the centre of gravity, although the distribution of forces is more event than with a heel strike, it still leads to a brief braking phase. The posterior leg muscles are heavily engaged to stabilize the support, while the ground reaction forces move in the opposite direction to the run.

Forefoot landing

Landing on the forefoot in front of the centre of gravity generates a direct impact on the Musculo-tendinous structures of the posterior leg, significantly increasing stress on the Achilles tendon and hip flexor muscles. This type of landing is often adopted during sprinting or fast running phases.

Shoe recommendations

Shoe design can influence strike pattern: higher midsoles, rocker designs, carbon plates, softer foams, or greater stiffness all encourage forefoot striking, while lower midsoles, harder foams, and flexible constructions encourage heel striking.