Who Can Benefit from Gait Analysis?
Once upon a time, video gait analysis was something that only elite runners would use to fine tuning their already near perfect running technique. Thanks to modern technology, gait analysis is now something all runners can benefit from, particularly if you fall into any of the categories below:
• Struggling to fully recover from an existing injury
• Getting injured more than other runners
• Finding it difficult to improve running performance
How Does It Work?
3D Gait Analysis at StrideUK uses the latest technology to assess your running form and see where you may be going wrong. The assessment itself involves you running for no more than 30 seconds a time (multiple recordings can be made) on our specialist Sprintex Ortho slat-belt treadmill. Hi-tech depth sensing cameras collect running motion data that normal video recording equipment or the naked eye would either miss or not be able to see. The data is then processed using the latest MotionMetrix software and highly advanced algorithms to produce valuable kinematic (movement) and kinetic (force) data unique to your body and running style. The huge advantage of this technology is that during the assessment we can make as many recordings as we wish, i.e. we can see how slight tweaks to your running form affect movement and force production.
SCREEN 1: RUNNING PERFORMANCE
The running performance screen seen below provides data on key running characteristics and gives summary scores displaying the runners economy, speed potential and level of joint loading. Optimal values generated by the software database help highlight key elements that could be improved.
SCREEN 2: GAIT CHARACTERISTICS
The gait characteristics screen seen below displays data on joint range and flexibility of the hips, knees and ankles. These are divided into left and right side to suggest potential imbalances and weaknesses.
SCREEN 3: FORCE DATA
The force data screen allows us to really delve deep into your running gait. Hip and Knee joint load are looked at from both sagittal (side) and frontal (front) views by assessing the moment and forces around the joints.
Physical Assessment
Despite what you may read or hear, there is no one optimum way to run. A quick look at a selection of elite runners shows that due to natural variance in human physiology we will all have our own personal optimum way of getting from A to B. There are of course similar characteristics shared amongst the most successful running forms out there and it is these that we focus on when analysing your gait, but it also vital that any gait analysis is preceded by a physical assessment to note the individual runner’s physical make-up. The physical assessment includes a look at:
- Ankle strength & mobility
- Hip strength & mobility
- Pelvic strength & mobility
- Upper body mobility
- Balance & coordination
Other Factors
Running form is just one factor that can contribute to increased risk of injury or inhibited performance. At StrideUK we are very aware of this and make sure that our Gold and Iron Gait Packages include close examination of your current training plan, strength & flexibility training you may be doing, footwear choice and any other potential factors that could be holding you back. For more details, see our in depth article: Gait Analysis – How Effective Is It?
StrideUK Gait Packages & Prices
We offer a range of gait packages to cater for everyone’s time availability & budget. If you are travelling from far, we would recommend the full Gold (2 hours) or Iron (3 hours) package so that we have enough time to fully assess, advise and practice recommended drills and exercises. If you are limited for time or budget you may decide to come in for the Bronze (60 minute) or Silver (90 minute) package and then return at a later date to go through drills & exercises. For full details and prices, please visit the StrideUK page HERE.
If you have any questions at all regarding 3D Gait Assessment, please feel free to email us at info@sportinjurymatt.co.uk or alternatively use our contact form by clicking HERE.
Gait Analysis with Matt Phillips can be booked on the Stride UK Website HERE.
Have you had an interesting experience connected with Gait Analysis? Have you used the latest 3D software yet? Whether you are giving or receiving the analysis, we would love to hear from you in the comments section below!