ExPOSEd: Running Technique Doctrine or Ethics Violation?

MOPs & MOEs

After two years of waiting, the Pose Method episode is finally here! You've asked what we think of it, here are our answers.

Pose Method® is a proprietary method for coaching running technique developed by Dr. Nichloas Romanov in 1977 in the former Soviet Union. Pose clinics have been taught around the Army since 2009 and the newest version of FM 7-22 put Pose into official Army doctrine.

In this episode we break down a few key questions:

What is the Pose Method?

Does the Pose Method work?

How did the Pose Method end up in Army doctrine?

We are joined in this conversation by Dr. Nick Barringer, who co-authored Gravitational Running and the Tactical Athlete, which analyzed the evidence for Pose Method, among other similar techniques.

You can find Pose Method's content on their website and their military-specific website. They also have a YouTube channel called Pose TV that includes a military section featuring numerous endorsements from Army leaders.

Some of the research mentioned in the episode:

Effect of a global alteration of running technique on kinematics and economy (co-authored by Dr. Romanov, who led the training intervention)

A Review of Mechanics and Injury Trends Among Various Running Styles (authored by Army researchers)

Thinking about your running movement makes you less efficient: attentional focus effects on running economy and kinematics

Smoothness: an Unexplored Window into Coordinated Running Proficiency (we didn't actually talk about this one, but even though he can't describe the findings, Drew is annoying about it so it's in the show notes)