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Center for Sports Performance and Research

Our Running Lab

Train smarter and work towards your next PR with the Center for Sports Performance and Research.

Call 508-216-1145
close up of legs running a race


At the Center for Sports Performance and Research's Running Lab, we've designed runner-specific assessments and strength training programs that will seamlessly complement your running plan and mitigate your risk of injury as you progress in mileage and get ready for race day. Our experts in sports performance use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to analyze your running mechanics and build an individualized training plan to help you cross the finish line feeling strong, whether you're working towards your first 5K or your next ultra marathon.

We offer the following services for runners:

  • Custom biomechanical running and gait assessment        
  • Private and semi-private strength and conditioning training sessions 
  • Pre- and post-race recovery services, including photobiomodulation, cryotherapy, and float tanks
  • Athletic performance and cognition assessment

Getting ready for a big upcoming race?

Take the best first step towards reaching your running goals today. This year, resolve to build the muscle needed to cross the finish line feeling strong with expert guidance from the Center for Sports Performance and Research.

Boston is home to one of the oldest and largest marathons in the world and running for fun and exercise is something most area athletes engage in on a regular basis. But how are you running? Are you maximizing your energy expenditures, carrying your arms correctly, maintaining a consistent, optimal stride? Are you running in a way that makes you more or less prone to injury? Wherever you are at in your marathon journey, don’t wait for the weather to warm up to dedicate yourself fully to improving your runs.

At the Center for Sports Performance and Research, our Mass General Brigham researchers and strength coaches offer detailed running assessments and supervised strength training that runners can leverage to supplement their marathon training plan and mitigate their risk of sustaining running injuries.

Our custom biomechanical running assessment

female athlete running in gym with nodes attached on her arms, head and chest

When you schedule a custom running assessment at the Center, our research scientists capture the kinematics (how the body moves) and kinetics (forces) of your run to identify potential performance deficits and injury risks. This is an invaluable tool for both beginners and established runners who have postures and patterns that have become habitual.

The assessment includes two 30-minute sessions: a running data collection session, followed by a review of your runner’s analysis and report. For data collection, you will need to wear tight-fitting athletic clothing because 35 motion-capture markers will be placed on your body to track every detail of your motion. Wearing the trackers, you’ll run a half mile on a specialty treadmill while our cameras and computers analyze your run.

About a week later, one of our specialists will contact you to review your running report, help interpret your results, and offer advice on technical improvements. You will be provided with an interactive, web-based running report for your reference.

A running analysis and report from the Center for Sports Performance and Research can identify muscle imbalances, limb asymmetries, and other areas to target to optimize your running performance. Your report can be used by you and your trainer or coach to inform your personalized training program and ensure you are working on your form to proactively meet your goals by improving strength, mobility, flexibility, and stability. If you don’t yet have a trainer or running coach, our running specialists can design a package tailored to you.

Want to learn more?

Call us at 508-216-1145 or complete the form below for more information on our menu of performance programs custom-designed for runners of all ages and abilities.









Center for Sports Performance and Research

At Mass General Brigham’s Center for Sports Performance and Research, athletes of all ages and abilities can work with trainers and coaches to reach a new level of athletic achievement. 

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