What is a Gait Analysis and Why Should You Get One?
You can improve your running efficiency and avoid injury, whether you are a causal jogger or a serious marathoner, through a simple test called a gait analysis.
Improper Running Form
Since the beginning of time, we have been moving our bodies, sometimes in ways that may not be correct. For example, maybe you take too short of a stride or one hip drops while you run. If your walking or running form isn’t correct, this could lead to injury after continuously repeating these motions. Improper form may also be holding you back from being more efficient and running faster.
Body Mechanics
A gait analysis assesses your body mechanics, from head to toe, and solves biomechanical problems to help you move better and avoid getting injured. It’s easy for someone to observe another runner’s improper running form, but it’s another story to try to correct your own without outside help.
Injuries
If you’re injured, or have been in the past, having someone watch you run can help determine the cause of the injury. Maybe you have a muscle imbalance that caused the injury. Even if you’re not injured, but want to become a better runner or walker, a gait analysis could help improve your form and help you become faster with less effort.
What Are The Most Common Issues Revealed By Gait Analysis?
Slow cadence – longer strides at a lower frequency.
​
Heel striking – with your foot landing in front of your hips.
​
A lack of core strength, which results in the hips dropping, which can cause both the knee and ankle to rotate inwards.
​
A lack of flexibility and strength, particularly in the glutes and calves.
​
All of these can result in injury and reduce running efficiency.