What’s gait analysis? If you’re a runner, this is an expression you’ve heard around. If you’re walking around in your favorite pair of running shoes, then you might not have thought about whether or not they’re the best ones. If your footwear is specifically designed to be worn in a manner that isn’t suited to your gait, you could not be consciously slowing down your pace while placing yourself at risk of injuries.
Gait analysis is frequently talked about when purchasing the right running shoes, so that you can ensure you’re buying the correct pair that will match your running style. Finding a pair that is designed to accommodate this particular movement will ensure joint protection more effectively, and also improve your performance.
Walking is a pastime that most people don’t consider much. It’s our primary method of transport, but the inability to walk, or even move around can profoundly alter the course of the way a person lives. It can affect our ability to live independently and can also cause significant health issues in the short and long-term.
Many people move around with asymmetrical or irregular gait patterns over time without any indications. If someone suffers any kind of injury, or pain the normal gait patterns may be altered which can result in walking in an abnormal way which can cause more health problems.
For instance:
Musculoskeletal disorders (from shifting moves to ease discomfort or pain)
Heart health concerns (due to lack of activity)
Mental health problems (depression, loss of independence, etc.)
This is the reason gait analysis is so important. If we analyze how a person walks or runs we can determine the individual’s distinctive movements, identify regular gait patterns, determine the causes of discomfort, and then apply and evaluate treatment options to address any issues.
The gait analysis of a typical patient is mostly visual and involves observing the patient walking. This is a crucial element of an evaluation but it does not provide any objective data for example:
Center of Force (CoF)
Step Time
Swing Time
Stride length
Force
Weight distribution
This information is crucial in the treatment and diagnosis of gait problems, but it’s not possible to obtain it by using visual analysis. This is where gait analysis software come in. Our range of mats, walkways, as well as in-shoe sensors add objective reliable, repeatable, and actionable information to aid in the evaluation process.
For more information on gait analysis, get in touch with us.
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