Running Program

Since 35 to 75 percent of runners each year need medical treatment for running-related injuries, preventive action is imperative.

The Running Program at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Division of Sports Medicine is staffed by a specialized team of physicians, nurses, athletic trainers, dietitians and podiatrists, and focuses on enhanced performance and injury prevention for runners.

As a part of our comprehensive evaluation, each participant, ranging from novice to seasoned athlete, rotates through four stations:

Gait (running motion) analysis
Strength and flexibility analysis
Nutrition analysis
Analysis of unique structures of your feet

After participants rotate through each station, the team collaborates to develop an individualized assessment of each runner, utilizing the expertise of our staff members and technologies such as the Quintic^® motion-analysis software with video capture (to aid in biomechanical—or how the body moves—analysis) and RunSafe^® (to aid in assessments), allowing for a complete, balanced and customized analysis.

Injured Runners Clinic

While the Running Program will completely assess the needs of most runners, injured runners can receive injury-specific care at the Injured Runners Clinic.

Running Exam

The Running Program is held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m at Boston Children's Hospital at Waltham (9 Hope Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453) in the Sports Medicine Clinic (second floor, south wing).

Evaluations entail

Gait (running motion) analysis
Strength and flexibility analysis
Nutrition analysis
Analysis of unique structures of your feet

Program takeaways

Personalized running analysis
Report card with suggestions to improve your running experience
Running program synthetic shirt
DVD of gait station

Pricing

The comprehensive running analysis costs $225. Payment is due at the time of scheduling, and is not typically covered by insurance; however, some flexible spending plans may cover the cost, so please check with your insurance representative.

Disclaimer

The Running Program is meant to help enhance performance and prevent injuries for runners, but it does not screen for any other medical problems. Before attending the program, ask your primary care physician if you need safety tests or any other special considerations.

Scheduling an appointment

To schedule an appointment or to request more information, please contact Mark Cronin at:

Phone: 781-216-1330
Fax: 781-216-1101
Email: mark.cronin@childrens.harvard.edu

Cancellation policy

In the event that you have to cancel your Running Program evaluation the following policy applies:

Days Prior to Evaluation	Refund Amount
1 to 2 days	None
3 to 6 days	50 percent
7 or more days	100 percent

You will be notified in the event Boston Children's Hospital is forced to cancel the Running Program for inclement weather or for any other reason. In theses cases, you will be give the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Payment

Payment of $225 is required when scheduling your appointment. Should you choose to pay cash or check, the Division of Sports Medicine will take your credit card information when scheduling but will not charge the account if cash or check is received during check in.

What is the Running Program’s mission?

To provide Boston-area runners with a complete individualized analysis, and help them run better, safer and smarter with a focus on enhanced performance and injury prevention.

Is there an age limit for the Running Program?

Like the Division of Sports Medicine, the Running Program has no age limit, and sees runners of all ages.

Who should consider attending the Running Program?

The Running Program sees everyone from elite marathoners to individuals trying to stay in shape, as well as athletes looking to improve their running abilities for another sport.

What should I expect during my visit?

Runners rotate through four stations, consult with an expert in the field of running and receive a complete individualized analysis.

Station 1: A sports medicine physician and a videographer perform gait analysis using Quintic® motion-analysis software.
Station 2: An athletic trainer administers a strength and flexibility test.
Station 3: A registered dietitian performs nutrition analysis.
Station 4: A podiatrist (foot doctor) completes a lower extremity analysis.

After all stations have been completed, the staff collaborates in producing a custom report card while runners receive expert training advice. After the collaboration, runners are presented with the findings.

How long does the Running Program last?

All appointments are scheduled for two hours, but don’t worry, you will only be running for a maximum of 15 minutes

When is the Running Program held?

Appointments are held on Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at our Waltham location.

Within a few days of your Running Program visit, you will be mailed a Running Program synthetic shirt, DVD of the individual’s gait analysis and customized report card with detailed analysis from each station and suggestions to improve your running experience.

What should I bring to the Running Program?

Runners should bring old and new pairs of running shoes and a list of what you’ve eaten in the last 72-hours.

What should I wear to the Running Program?

Dark, form-fitting clothing (such as Spandex®) is highly recommended, as is allows for better analysis.

How much do visits cost?

The comprehensive running analysis costs $225. Payment is due at the time of scheduling, and is not typically covered by insurance; some flexible spending plans may cover the cost, so please check with your insurance representative.

What staff members are involved with the program?

For additional questions, please contact Mark Cronin at 781-216-1330 or email mark.cronin@childrens.harvard.edu

Division of Sports Medicine