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Children's "Movement Map" Project

Parents/Guardians and Young Adults 16-18 years

About the Project

Run3D Limited offers advanced, gold-standard 3D gait motion analysis systems designed to evaluate running and walking patterns for individuals of various ages, including adults and the elderly. Using high-speed cameras, specialised markers, and cutting-edge software, these systems can identify inefficiencies, imbalances, or risks of injury. Tailored for athletes, clinicians, and rehabilitation professionals, they provide invaluable insights to optimize performance and enhance mobility.

We are now expanding our efforts to create a movement database specifically for teenagers and young adults aged 16 and above, as well as for younger children under 16 with parental consent. This initiative aims to better understand what normal, healthy movement looks like in these age groups. By participating in this project, you or your child can contribute to building a comprehensive "movement map," helping us improve how we support young people in achieving their best mobility!

Who Can Participate?

If all of the following questions are answered "yes," your child (if aged under 18) or you (if aged 16 or older) are eligible to join the project:

Does my child/I have to take part?

No. You can ask questions about the project before deciding whether or not to participate/ allow your child to participate. If you have any further questions please contact us via info@run3d.co.uk and we will be happy to answer them.

If your child is under 16 years old, you will be required to sign a consent form, and your child will be required to sign an assent form. If your child is aged 16 years or above (or if you are participating as an individual aged 16 years or above), they/you will be required to sign a consent form.

You may withdraw your child (or yourself, if aged 16 years or above) from this project at any time, without providing a reason and without penalty, by notifying the Run3D team of this decision.

What will happen if my child/I take/s part?

Overview of the project

If your child or you (if aged 16 years or above) join our project, here’s what we will do:

Two kids displaying what to wear for a Run3D. A boy wearing a sports shirt, shorts, and trainers; and a girl wearing a sports shirt, leggings, and trainers.

What to Wear

On the day, your child (or you, if aged 16 years or above) will need to wear sports clothes:
 - Shorts or running tight leggings
 - A comfortable top
 - Your running shoes

Gait analysis (assessing how they walk and run)

1) We’ll gently attach small markers to your child’s legs and shoes (or to your legs and shoes if you are aged 16 years or above) using double-sided tape. These markers look like tiny shiny balls or plates with shiny balls on them. They don’t hurt and are simply used to help identify where the joints are.
2) After applying the markers, we will ask your child (or you, if aged 16 years or above) to stand still to capture a static trial. For the dynamic trials, we will ask your child (or you, if aged 16 years or above) to walk and run on a treadmill at different speeds, depending on their age. Rest assured, the treadmill speed will be adjusted to a comfortable pace, and the walking and running times will be kept brief.

Muscle Strength Tests

After the treadmill session, we will measure your child’s (or your, if aged 16 years or above) muscle strength using a small handheld device called a dynamometer. This device is designed to assess muscle strength. To gather the data, we will demonstrate the specific movement we are looking for and then ask your child (or you) to push as hard as possible against the device.

After the tests:

Once all tests are completed, we will explain the results to both you and your child (or just to you if you are aged 16 years or above). This includes an overview of how your child (or you) moves and how strong their (or your) muscles are. We will also provide helpful tips and suggestions on ways to improve strength and speed.

FAQ

What is gait analysis?

Gait analysis is a non-invasive method used to assess the way a person walks. For this process, small spherical reflective markers will be gently attached to your child's or your legs and shoes using double-sided tape. The Run3D system employs specialised infrared cameras to track the positions of these markers as your child or you move. Each participant will first perform a standing trial, which helps validate the camera setup, before being asked to walk and run on a treadmill. The recorded marker positions are then analysed to calculate various biomechanical parameters.

Will it hurt?

No, the markers and tests are completely safe and do not cause any pain. We will explain each step clearly before starting, ensuring that your child or you is/are comfortable throughout the process.

This is what the cameras see as your child or you walk. The dots represent the small reflective markers. The computer connects these dots to create a visual representation of your child's or your legs, arms, and body.

What are the advantages of taking part? Are there risks?

The method involved is routinely used in clinical and research practice, with no reported risks. The session will involve moving under normal conditions, so there should be no risks to your child or you, other than the usual possibility of tripping or falling, similar to when your child or you are running or walking outside. As part of this project, we will provide you with a report on your child or yourself and an explanation of the assessment findings.

What happens with the information we collect?

The parameters extracted from the assessment outcomes will be used to create a movement map for children and young adults. Your child's or your data will be combined with that of other participants, and the grouped data will be anonymised so that no one will know your child’s or your specific data is part of the dataset. Once the data is transferred from the computer into a data sheet, all identifiable information will be removed. The data will then be presented as a group, ensuring there is no possibility of identifying your child or yourself later on.The anonymised data will be used as part of the Run3D Limited database, serving as a reference for comparison in both Run3D and Walk3D software, and may potentially be used in future software developments by Run3D Limited.

How will this help my child?

By participating, your child and you can identify areas that may require improvement to enhance strength and speed. This can contribute to more efficient movement and help reduce the risk of injury.

What if something goes wrong or my child is/ I am unhappy with the study?

If your child is/you are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with any part of this project, please talk to them and let us know. We want to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable throughout the process. You can contact us via info@run3d.co.uk.

Book onto our project here!

1-2 February 2025

Chelmsford Athletics Club House, Salerno Way, Chelmsford, CM1 2EH

8-9 february 2025

St Elizabeth Hall, Hambrook Ln, Hambrook, Bristol, BS16 1RT