Job Overview

CERTIFIED RUNNING TECHNIQUE SPECIALIST

LEVEL 1

JOB OVERVIEW

CERTIFICATION EXAM

The Romanov Academy of Sport Science has put forth 23 years of volunteer effort in collaborative self-regulation to develop a worldwide standard. The examination questions were assembled by a Subject Matter Expert panel in 2009. The aim of the panel was to develop a suitably challenging examination that averaged a score in the 70 percentile. Every five years, the examination questions are re-evaluated to reflect new developments and industry research. The work continues today, the goal is to lead the process to a clear and consistent definition of Running Technique Specialist with uniform practice guidelines, to raise the standards and level of competency among health and fitness professionals involved in running related education, training and treatment .

The job overview for the Running Technique Specialist (RTS) describes what the specialist does on a day-to-day basis. It serves as a blueprint for an examination intended to assess the practice-related knowledge of professionals seeking certification for the job of a Running Technique Specialist.

New content outline effective date: Dec 2019

Job Definition

The Running Technique Specialist (RTS) possesses a minimum of a high school diploma and works in a group setting or 1-on-1 with healthy individuals who wish to improve their health and quality of life through running and similar endurance events. The Running Technique Specialist develops and leads safe and effective running programs using a variety of leadership techniques to foster motivation and to enhance muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition.

Performance Domains and Associated Job Tasks

The Running Technique Specialist (RTS) exam has a seat time of 90 minutes and consists of 106 items. The percentages listed below indicate the proportion of questions representing each performance domain. The performance domains are:

PERFORMANCE DOMAINS (2019)
Screening and Ongoing Assessment	30%
Instruction	30%
Programming	30%
Professional Responsibilities	10%
TOTAL	100%

Cognitive Level

The job of a Running Technique Specialist can range between simple and complicated tasks. A low level of cognitive processing is background knowledge of pertinent information whereas a higher level of cognitive processing includes analysis and evaluation. Romanov Academy of Sport Science uses three levels of cognitive challenge: knowledge, application and synthesis.

1) Determine physical readiness of runner or group by conducting a screening and ongoing assessment.

KNOWLEDGE OF:	RECALL:	SKILL:
a) Foundations of running injuries. Overstriding Bending at the waist	a) Major types of running injuries Musculoskeletal Ligaments and tendons Cartilage	a) Applying running technique assessment before and after a training session to determine motor pattern change.
b) Running technique assessment Past and present injuries Drive phase Support Phase Recovery Phase	b) Footwear and training accessories Role of shoes in running Cushioning / wedge heel design Track spikes / specialty footwear	b) Utilizing video analysis to evaluate technique elements from a runner Side view Front view
	c) Foundational history of running Jogging history Styles of running	c) Prescribing drills and exercises based on technique assessment form to implement desired technique changes.

2) Determine training session (i.e., warm-up, skill/technique, workout and cool-down) in order to create an effective training session upon the objectives of the runner or group.

KNOWLEDGE OF:	RECALL:	SKILL:
a) The physiology of warm-up, skill/technique, workout and cool-down.	a) Perception stimulus (e.g., drills, exercises, auditory sensory feedback).	a) Applying running training principles (frequency, intensity, time, volume, progression) to training session design.
b) Running skill (e.g., running Pose, falling angle, cadence of pulling action).	b) Baseline cadence requirements for runners.	b) Organizing the warm-up, skill/technique, workout and cool-down.
c) Training principles (e.g., specificity, adaptation, overload, [frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, progression]).		c) Modifying a training session based on exercise environment and available equipment.
d) Different training formats (e.g., speed (track work), interval, circuit, fartlek).
e) Drill/exercises modifications to meet the needs of the runner of group.

3) Select and sequence appropriate skill development exercises to provide a workout based upon the objectives of the runner or group.

KNOWLEDGE OF:	SKILL:
a) Exercises used during warm-up, stimulus and cool-down.	a) Selecting and sequencing exercises to meet the goals and/or ability of class participants.
b) Exercises to meet the needs of participants with varying levels of skill and ability.	b) Designing transitions between exercises.
c) Cardiovascular training principles and techniques.
d) Muscular conditioning principles and techniques.
e) Flexibility training principles and techniques.
f) Motor fitness components (e.g., balance, agility, speed, coordination).
g) Basic principles of kinesiology (e.g., flexion/extension, agonist/antagonist).
h) Exercise progression (e.g., easy/hard, slow/fast).

4) Demonstrate safe and effective running technique in accordance with industry standards and guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE OF:	SKILL:
Basic human functional anatomy and biomechanics. Flat Feet High arches Supination Pronation	1) Applying anticipatory, directional, educational, motivational, safety, tactile and visual cues.
2) Proper participant performance.	2) Monitoring participants’ performance.
	3) Instructing participant how to self-regulate exercise form.

5) Incorporate verbal and non-verbal instructional cues to optimize communication, safety and motivation based upon industry standards and guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE OF:	SKILL:
1) Anticipatory, directional, educational, motivational, safety, tactile and visual cueing  techniques.	1) Applying anticipatory, directional, educational, motivational, safety, tactile and visual cues.
2) Proper participant performance.	2) Monitoring participants’ performance.
	3) Instructing participant how to self-regulate exercise form.

6) Monitor participants’ performance to ensure safe and effective exercise execution in accordance with industry standards and guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE OF:	SKILL:
1) Running gait patterns and how to analyze them.	1) Safe and effective running technique.
2) Training intensity monitoring limitations.	2) Monitoring running intensity.
3) Exercise programming (e.g., mode, intensity, frequency, duration).	3) Applying the principles of programming (e.g., intensity, frequency,  duration).
4) The signs and symptoms of overexertion.	4) Proper running drill demonstration.
5) Running technique.

7) Follow professional, ethical and business standards in order to optimize safety and reduce liability.

KNOWLEDGE OF:	SKILL:
1) Appropriate professional behavior and boundaries pertaining to working with a runner or group of runners.	1) Applying professional behavior and in maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients.
2) Follow a Running Technique Specialist/Personal Trainer code of ethics.	2) Applying the Running Technique Specialist/Personal Trainer code of ethics.
3) The scope of practice of running technique specialists.	3) Assuring and maintaining the privacy of video analysis’ participants personal information  (e.g., contact information, demographic, health history).
4) Standards of practice for running technique specialists.
5) Informed consent, assumption of risk and waivers.
6) confidentiality, privacy laws and practice.

8) Respond to emergencies to minimize untoward events by following procedures consistent with established standards of care and facility policies.

KNOWLEDGE OF:	SKILL:
1) An emergency action plan, if applicable, for the training facility where training occurs.	1) Documenting incidents and/or emergencies.
2) Unsafe or controversial exercises.	2) Selecting exercises that are suitable to the ability of a client.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

CERTIFICATION EXAM

These studies are used as the basis for the development of the CRTS examination.

Diebal-Lee AR, Kuenzi RS, Rábago CA. Return to running following a knee disarticulation amputation: a case report. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Aug;12(4):655-669. PMCID: PMC5534156
Fletcher, G., Bartlett, R., Docksteadder, A. and Romanov, N. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, Volume 15, 2015, Issue 2. Determining key biomechanical performance parameters in novice female rowers using the Rosenberg and Pose techniques during a 1 km ergometer time trial. DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2015.11868826
Fletcher, G., Bartlett, R. and Romanov, N.S. Critical comment on the current athletic sprint start and a new Pose sprint start technique. Applied Research In Coaching And Athletics Annual, 30, 15-39, 2015
Pieter H. Helmhout, PhD, MSc, Angela R. Diebal, PT, DSc, Lisanne van der Kaaden, MSc, Chris C. Harts, MSc, Anthony Beutler, MD, and Wes O. Zimmermann, MD. Orthop J Sports Med. 2015 Mar; 3(3): 2325967115575691. The Effectiveness of a 6-Week Intervention Program Aimed at Modifying Running Style in Patients With Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome. DOI: 10.1177/2325967115575691
Fletcher G, Bartlett R, Romanov N (2014) A Case Study of Two National Standard Sprinters Completing a Pose and Traditional Sprint Start Technique. J Athl Enhancement 3:2. DOI:10.4172/2324-9080.1000145
Romanov, N.S. General Movement Theory. Chuvash State Pedagogical University, Text book, 2014
A. Pyanzin, N. Romanov, V. Vasilyev, G. Fletcher. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. – Vol. 19. – Iss. 9. – 06 Sep 2012. Specifics in running kinematics developed by Pose Method in disabled sprinters with cerebral palsy. DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2012.19.9.521
Fletcher, G., Fraser, S., Docksreader, A., Romanov, N. A Theoretical Analysis of a Truly Synchronous Rowing Technique: The New Pose Method and Three Well-established Rowing Techniques. Applied Research In Coaching and Athletics Annual, Volume 27, 2012
B. И. Васильев, А. И.Пьянзин. Формирование целостной системы движений в беге нa ocнoвe пoзной тexники y бeгyнoв c пopaжeниeм oпopнo-двигaтeльнoгo aппapaтa. Aктyaльныe вoпpocы физичecкoй кyльтypы и cпopтa: мaтериалы XV Bсepoccийскoй нayчнo-пpaктичecкoй кoнфepeнции c мeждyнapодным yчacтиeм (г. Toмcк, 29-30 марта 2012 г.). – Томск: Издательство ТГПУ, 2012. – С. 299–302 (0,38 п.л.).
Н. С. Романов, А. И. Пьянзин, Е. В. Никитина, В. И. Васильев. Роль силы тяжести в ускорении тела бегуна вперед. Актуальные вопросы физической культуры и спорта: материалы Всероссийской научно-практической конференции. – Новочебоксарск: НФ РГУФКСМиТ, 2012. – С. 75–80 (0,31/0,08 п.л.).
Forefoot running improves pain and disability associated with chronic exertional compartment syndrome. (AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE, 2012)
Васильев, В. И. Влияние позного метода обучения на кинематику беговых шагов квалифицированных спортсменов-инвалидов с детским церебральным параличом / В. И. Васильев, Н. Н. Пьянзина / Педагогико-психологические и медико-биологические пpoблeмы физичecкoй кyльтypы и cпopтa. – 2012. – №1 (22). – C. 11-15 (0,38/0,19 п.л.).
MAJ Angela R. Diebal, PT, DPT, Dr. Robert Gregory, PhD, COL Curtis Alitz, MD, and LTC J. Parry Gerber, PT, PhD. Effects of forefoot running on chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2011 Dec; 6(4): 312–321. PMCID: PMC3230159
A Comparison of Pedaling Mechanics in Experienced Pose and Traditional Cyclists. (UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY, BC, CANADA; POSE TECH, MIAMI, FL, USA; BRUNEL UNIVERSITY, LONDON, UK, 2011)
Effect of ‘Pose’ Cycling on Efficiency and Pedaling Mechanics. (Centre for Sports Medicine and Human Performance, Brunel University; EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY, 2011)
Fletcher, Graham, Roger Bartlett and Nicholas Romanov. “International Quarterly of Sport Science 2010 / 2 1 BIOMECHANICAL PERFORMANCE FACTORS IN POSE RUNNING AND HEEL-TOE RUNNING.” (2011) | Read Online |
Пьянзин, А. И. Кинематика беговых шагов лиц с поражением опорно-двигательного аппарата при освоении Позной техники бега / А. И. Пьянзин, В. И. Васильев / Aктyaльныe пpoблeмы физичecкoгo вocпитaния и cпopтивнoй тpeниpoвки yчaщeйcя мoлoдeжи : материалы Всероссийской научно-практической конференции. – М. : НОУ РГУФК, 2009. – С. 108–112 (0,25/0,12 п.л.).
Gravity’s role in accelerated running – a comparison of an experienced Pose® and heel-toe runner.(INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF SPORTS BIOMECHANICS, XXV11, 374-377, 2009)
Васильев, В. И. Потенциал Позного® метода при обучении технике бега легкоатлетов-бeгyнoв c пopaжeниeм oпopнo-двигaтeльнoгo aппapaтa / B. И. Васильев / Aктyaльныe пpoблeмы физичecкoй кyльтypы и cпopтa : материалы Meждyнаpoднoй нayчнo-пpaктичecкoй кoнфepeнции. – Чебоксары : Чуваш. гос. пед. ун-т, 2009. – С. 447-450 (0,25 п.л.).
Васильев, В. И. Kинeмaтичecкиe ocoбeннocти бeгa нa ocнoвe Пoзнoй тexники y бeгунoв c пopaжeниeм oпopнo-двигaтeльнoгo aппapaтa / В. И. Васильев, А. И. Пьянзин // Oпыт cпopтивнoгo нacлeдия – Унивepcиaдe-2013 : мaтepиaлы Meждународнoй нayчнo-пpaктичecкoй кoнфepeнции. – Haбepeжныe Чeлны : KамГАФКСиТ, 2009. – C. 256-258 (0,25 п.л.).
The Pose Method Technique Improves Running Performance Without Economy Changes. (INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCE & COACHING, 2008)
Runners Do Not Push Off the Ground But Fall Forwards Via a Gravitational Torque. (SPORTS BIOMECHANICS JOURNAL, 2007)
The Pose Method: A Biomechanical And Physiological Comparison with Heel-Toe Running. (SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY, UK, 2007)
Geometry of Running. (EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF SPORT SCIENCE, July 5-8, 2006 Switzerland)
Romanov, N. Running: Problems of Teaching and Training. Moscow, Russia: Theory and Practice of Physical Culture, April 2005
Dallam GM, Wilber RL, Jadelis K, Fletcher G, Romanov N. Effect of a global alteration of running technique on kinematics and economy. J Sports Sci. 2005 Jul;23(7):757-64. DOI: 10.1080/02640410400022003
Arendse RE, Noakes TD, Azevedo LB, Romanov NS, Schwellnus MP, Fletcher G. Reduced Eccentric Loading of the Knee with the Pose Running Method. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004 Feb;36(2):272-7. DOI:10.1249/01.MSS.0000113684.61351.B0
Romanov, N. Role of Gravity in Pedaling Technique in Cycling. Moscow, Russia: Theory and Practice of Physical Culture, No.5, 2004
Sol, C. Impact Forces at the Knee Joint: A Comparative Study on Running Styles. Boca Raton, FL: Florida Atlantic University; 2001
Romanov, N. Raising Reliability Level of Elite High Jumpers’ Performance at the Stage of Immediate Pre-Competition Preparation. Moscow, Russia : Russian State Academy of Physical Culture, 1990
Romanov, N. The Pose Method of Teaching Running Technique. Cheboksary, Chuvashia, Russia: Chuvash State Pedagogical Institute ; 1988

CERTIFIED RUNNING TECHNIQUE SPECIALIST

JOB OVERVIEW

Job Definition

Performance Domains and Associated Job Tasks

Cognitive Level

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

CERTIFICATION CANDIDATES

FEDERAL GOV

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