The power of gait analysis
I have seen some really strong athletes run with horrible pain and inefficiency. I have seen many runners who are frustrated because they have put themselves on aggressive strengthening programs, but this has not benefitted their running. This is because your body needs to not only be strong, but also fire muscles in the right movement pattern to absorb impact and propel you forward (Davis and Futrell, 2016). This is why it is important to look at HOW you run via gait analysis. Training programs for improving your running may consist of movement retraining in combination with strength training that you may or (….ahemmm) may not be doing right now.
Running Gait Analysis Services
What you get:
1. A full one-on-one video analysis of your running form that looks for injury risk factors and inefficiencies.
2. RunScribe analysis to examine loading, heel strike pattern, cadence and pronation. RunScribe sensors attach to your shoes (as depicted below) to obtain this data and allow assessment of asymmetries between right and left sides. To read more about RunScribe sensors click here.
RunScribe sensors
3. Recommendations for improving your mechanics, correcting weaknesses
4. Written summary of your analysis
5. If desired, your running video can be shared with you for personal use
Where can gait analysis be done?
In-person options: I come to you. If you have a treadmill in your home or preferred gym, I can meet you there if it’s within a 50-mile radius of Pocatello, Idaho. Likewise, we can work at a local school track. Analysis will be less precise on a track, but is still quite valuable and can be done. At this time, I will by happy to work with you while wearing a mask and at safe distance to take social distancing precautions for COVID-19.
How long does gait analysis take?
A thorough analysis that allows time to review video, data and discuss efficiency and injury prevention takes ~60 minutes once started. Depending on the location (i.e., gym, your home), please allow for entry and setup time (10-15 minutes usually).
How much does gait analysis cost? How do I pay? How do I schedule?
Cost of analysis is $90. You pay online when you schedule your gait analysis here:
What should I wear?
- Running shorts or tights
- Top/shirt that is a different color than your shorts/tights
- Please tie long hair back into a pony-tail to allow better video analysis
- Your favorite/usual running footwear
How much running will I need to do?
A 5-6 minute running warm up is advised prior to taking video to ensure that you have settled into your typical running form. If you have a stretching or dynamic warm up routine that you usually do, we will allow time for that. Our goal is to capture on video your usual running form.
Will my video be shared with anyone or with the public?
Under no circumstances will your video be shared with anyone unless you provide express written consent to do so.
But wait…..doesn’t my running form differ on a treadmill than it does on a track, road or trail?
Scientific study (Riley et al. 2008) has shown that running form on a track/road and a treadmill are quite similar. The amount of impact you experience may be different, but the movement pattern that is uniquely you is present in both environments. If you are a trail runner, you may be thinking—well, my form varies a lot during a run as I navigate hills, rocks, roots, etc. You are correct. However, an assessment on a flat surface can still provide very valuable insights into your strengths/weaknesses–especially differences between right and left sides— that could adversely impact your running over rough terrain.
Still have questions about gait analysis?
Please contact me at any time via contact form or email.
References:
Davis and Futrell. 2016. Gait Retraining: Altering the fingerprint of gait. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 27:339-355.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26616188
Riley et al. 2008. A kinematics and kinetic comparison of overground and treadmill running. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.