Running Gait Analysis from a PT: Expert Advice for Every Runner
With around 50 million people enjoying running every year in the US, it's clear that it's one of the most popular forms of exercise around, offering countless physical and mental health benefits. However, every runner is unique, and their running gait plays a critical role in their performance, injury risk, and comfort.
This is where running gait analysis comes in! By understanding how you run, you can optimize your form, choose the right running shoes, and become a better runner. Let’s dive into the importance of gait analysis and how it can transform your running experience.
What is a Gait Analysis?
A gait analysis is an assessment of your running mechanics. It evaluates key factors such as your stride, foot strike, cadence, and overall biomechanics to identify patterns in your running gait. By analyzing your unique running style, a gait analysis can pinpoint inefficiencies or areas of concern that might lead to injuries.
Using advanced tools and techniques, experts can observe how your body moves while running, focusing on the gait cycle—the sequence of movements from when one foot strikes the ground to when it strikes again. For every runner, this cycle is influenced by factors like strength, flexibility, and training habits.
Here's Why Every Runner Should Get a Gait Analysis
Gait analysis isn’t just for professional athletes. Every runner, from beginners to marathoners, can benefit from understanding their running gait. Here’s why:
- Boost running efficiency: By identifying inefficiencies, a gait analysis can help you run more efficiently, reducing energy expenditure. This is achieved by improving your tendon's capacity to handle strain or bone's ability to handle load.
- Reduce risk of injuries: Many running injuries, such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain, stem from improper mechanics. A gait analysis identifies these issues before they become problems.
- Find the right running shoes for you: Not all shoes are created equal. Whether you need stability shoes, cushioned soles, or neutral options, a gait analysis ensures your footwear aligns with your running style
The Phases of the Running Gait
To understand your running gait, it’s important to break it down into its two primary phases:
Stance phase
This phase occurs when your foot is in contact with the ground. Key elements include:
- Foot strike: Whether you’re a heel striker, midfoot striker, or forefoot striker, this affects how your body absorbs impact when your foot hits the ground.
- Pronation and supination: The degree to which your foot rolls inward (pronates) or outward (supinates) during contact.
- Ground contact time: The duration your foot spends on the ground, which influences running efficiency.
Swing phase
This phase involves the movement of your foot off the ground. Key elements include:
- Stride length: The distance covered with each step, which impacts speed and energy usage.
- Cadence: The number of steps you take per minute, a critical factor in economy running.
Understanding these phases helps identify asymmetries, overpronation, or other movement patterns that could lead to inefficiencies or injuries.
How Does A Running Gait Analysis Work?
At its core, gait analysis involves observing how you run, often using advanced tools and techniques:
Treadmill assessment
Most analyses involve running on a treadmill to capture your natural stride in a controlled environment.
Slow-motion video
High-tech cameras analyze your gait in slow motion, focusing on foot strike, joint angles, and overall movement patterns.
Expert analysis
Physical therapists, running coaches, or sports medicine specialists review the data to provide personalized recommendations.
The process is designed to give you a clear picture of your biomechanics and actionable steps to optimize your running performance.
Benefits of Gait Analysis for Injury Prevention
Avoid injury with your gait assessment
Many injuries stem from imbalances or inefficiencies in your running mechanics. Gait analysis helps identify these issues early, such as:
- Overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively.
- Underpronation, where the foot rolls outward too much.
- Heel striking, which can lead to joint stress.
Tailoring strength training plans
With insights from a gait analysis, you can incorporate strength training exercises that target weak areas. For example:
- Hamstrings and quads: Build strength to improve push-off and reduce strain on joints.
- Pelvis and core: Enhance stability and balance during each stride.
By addressing these areas, you’ll not only avoid injuries but also improve your overall running performance.
Choosing the Right Running Shoes for Your Gait
The right pair of running shoes can make all the difference. Based on your gait analysis, you can identify the best shoe type, such as stability shoes for overpronators, cushioned shoes for shock absorption, or neutral shoes for balanced runners. Proper footwear enhances your biomechanics, reducing fatigue and the risk of injuries. Shoes tailored to your gait also help prevent chronic conditions like shin splints or plantar fasciitis. Don’t guess when it comes to your shoes—let a gait analysis guide your choice.
How to Get a Gait Analysis with AgilePT
Why choose AgilePT for your running gait analysis?
At AgilePT, we specialize in helping runners of all levels optimize their performance and prevent injuries. Our expert staff uses cutting-edge tools and techniques to provide a comprehensive assessment of your running gait.
RunAgile is our newest gait analysis program. Each of our RunAgile evaluations is 2 hrs long. During this time you are 1 on 1 with an expert physical therapist. This gives us time to get to know your unique running history and evaluate your running form. RunAgile utilizes state of the art technology including VALD strength assessment devices to get objective numbers for your strength, as well as perform mobility testing.
What to expect during a RunAgile gait analysis
When you book a gait analysis with AgilePT, you can expect an initial consultation where we discuss your running history, goals, and any existing issues. This is followed by a full assessment where you run on a treadmill while we use high-tech slow-motion cameras to capture detailed data on your gait mechanics. This would include exercises to target strength, motor control, and mobility. It may also include cues to modify cadence or body position.
Our experts then review your results and provide recommendations for improving your running form, choosing the right shoes, and avoiding injuries.
Get in touch with AgilePT today
Ready to take the first step toward injury-free running? Contact AgilePT to schedule your gait analysis. Whether you’re looking to boost your performance, find the perfect running shoes, or simply avoid injuries, our expert staff is here to help.