Biomechanics of running focus of training course

The Pose Method Running is now an official part of the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness Doctrine, also known as FM 7-22, Chapter 7. It is a solid, scientific approach to running. Developed by Nicholas S. Romanov in the late 1970s when he was teaching track and field in Russia, it doesn’t focus on footstrike of landing patterns. Instead, it teaches runners common elements in running mechanics and how to optimize them in such a way as to reduce musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries in running.

The Pose Method, which is used by Olympic athletes, derives its name from the concept that every sport has an identifiable position, or pose, which the athlete should operate within with minimal deviations in order to achieve optimal performance and to avoid injury.

Soldiers who pass the exam and earn their certificate will be able to use their training to help other Soldiers in their units. Staff Sergeant Brian Persina, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), completed the training and is ready to share what he learned with others.

“I think it would benefit a lot of people, especially those that I know personally that struggle with their runs. I feel like I can take this back and help them improve,” Persina said. He has experienced less ankle pain after adopting the Pose Method Running technique.

Running injuries are an Army-wide problem. In April 2020, Maj. Gen. Lonnie G. Hibbard, commanding general of the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, U.S. Army Training Doctrine Command said $557 million are spent annually to help Soldiers recover from running-related lower extremity overuse injuries.

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