Running Gait Analysis is a key component of understanding running related injuries (RRI). Particularly if your pain or symptoms are occurring during or shortly after a run. Observing how a person moves and what may be contributing to their problem is a key part of any Physical Therapy initial examination.

WHAT IS GAIT ANALYSIS?

Gait analysis is  a detailed review of a person’s biomechanical pattern of running and/or walking. It can be used to measure cadence, symmetry, vertical oscillation and more. At times, it can even be as precise as measuring joint angles at certain phases of gait. 

Typically this is performed with 2D videos from a side view, back view and possibly a front view. However, new 3D and automatic computerized analyses are becoming more popular and accessible! 

A whole body view is best. If you are experiencing any foot, heel, or calf pain, then a close up view of feet will also be useful. In general, taking a video while you run on the treadmill is easiest for the analysis. 

HOW IT CAN HELP?

A video gait analysis is simply a stop on the road map to understanding how and why an injury occurred. It can also give clues to why the injury occurred and why is happened where it did. When paired with a thorough physical examination, it can help to create a specific treatment plan.

I like to use the videos strategically depending on the patient and their primary concern. For example, does your heel pain occur towards the end of a long run? Then I’ll have you go run 10 miles before the analysis to see what changes when fatigue sets in. Does your knee pain start only at faster speeds? Then it is important to see you run at that specific speed.

We know that strengthening (although a key part of any runner’s training plan!!) does not automatically change running form (Willy, 2011). Therefore, you can have a well made and executed injury prevention plan, but if you don’t address the form then your issue will likely return.

IS IT GOOD TO CHANGE MY RUNNING FORM?

Good question! And not always :) 

As the old saying goes “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it.” So, it would take some convincing for me to change someone’s form if they aren’t having RRIs. 

For example – if you have watched any of the recent major marathons, you’ll see Peres Jepchirchir absolutely killing the game. By that, I mean she won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Then she went on to win the 2021 New York Marathon. Oh, and then she won the 2022 Boston Marathon. 

When I first watched her racing during the Tokyo Olympics, I could find about seven things “off” with her running gait. But results don’t lie. And winning some of the world’s most prestigious events without apparent injury is the definition of results.  

Our bodies are designed to find the most efficient way of completing a particular task at hand. The way that Peres Jepchirchir runs is what has proven to be the most optimal way for her. 

Now, say that she was bowing out of races early due to low back pain or knee pain. That’s a different story. 

In that case I would ask her the location of the injury, when in the run it occurs, what strengthening she does, and take a deep dive into her training program… as so on. Then when it comes to her gait analysis, we would put all the puzzle pieces together to find an exercise program and running form drills that work for her.

Would you like to know how your running gait may be impacting your aches and pains?

Reach out to me for a virtual running gait analysis: [email protected].