Walking and Running Gait Analysis

Walking and Running Gait Analysis: Understanding Your Movement

Efficient walking and running rely on proper coordination between your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and trunk. Abnormal gait patterns can lead to joint pain, muscle fatigue, reduced performance, and increased injury risk over time.

At Rehab8, we provide detailed gait assessments for both walking and running to identify inefficiencies, correct movement patterns, and optimize your performance and safety.

1. What is Gait and Why is it Important?

Gait refers to your manner of walking or running. It involves complex coordination between the lower limbs, core, and upper body. Proper gait mechanics allow for efficient movement, reduced energy use, and lower risk of injury.

Running introduces higher forces and repetitive impact compared to walking, making gait assessment particularly important for athletes and active individuals.

Common factors affecting gait include:

• Muscle weakness or imbalance
• Limited joint mobility
• Foot mechanics (e.g., overpronation, high arches)
• Postural issues
• Neurological or medical conditions affecting coordination

Poor gait can contribute to injuries in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back, as well as reduce running efficiency and endurance.

2. Common Walking and Running Gait Problems

Several gait issues can affect movement efficiency and joint health during walking or running:

Foot Mechanics Issues

• Overpronation: Excessive inward rolling of the foot
• Supination: Excessive outward rolling of the foot
• Both can alter ankle, knee, and hip alignment and increase injury risk.
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Stride and Step Abnormalities

• Short or uneven stride length
• Overstriding during running, which increases impact forces
• Foot drop or dragging during swing phase
• Foot drop or dragging during swing phase
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Hip and Pelvis Control

Weak hip muscles can lead to pelvic drop, lateral sway, or internal rotation of the femur, causing knee, hip, or back pain.

Excessive Impact or Heel Strike Patterns

Running with high-impact heel strikes can contribute to shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and knee injuries.

Balance and Stability Issues

Poor balance or core weakness can affect gait efficiency, increase energy expenditure, and heighten the risk of falls or running injuries.

Identifying these problems early allows for corrective strategies that enhance performance and reduce chronic strain.

3. How Gait Analysis and Physiotherapy Help

Physiotherapy and gait analysis are essential for optimizing walking and running mechanics, preventing injuries, and improving overall efficiency.

Detailed Assessment

Our physiotherapists analyze your walking and running patterns, joint mobility, muscle strength, and foot mechanics using visual observation and sometimes video analysis.

Footwear and Orthotic Guidance

We provide recommendations for supportive footwear or custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce abnormal forces during gait.

Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises

Targeted exercises enhance foot, ankle, calf, glute, and core strength while improving flexibility to correct gait deviations.

Balance and Coordination Training

Training improves stability and reduces risk of falls or running injuries. It also helps maintain efficient movement patterns.

Technique and Running Form Coaching

Guidance on stride length, foot strike, cadence, and posture helps reduce impact forces, improve endurance, and enhance performance.

Education and Self-Management

We provide strategies for load management, injury prevention, and maintaining long-term mobility. Home exercises and movement education support consistent improvement.

Takeaway

Walking and running are more than basic movements. Proper gait mechanics are crucial for performance, injury prevention, and long-term joint health. At Rehab8, we provide comprehensive gait analysis and physiotherapy interventions to improve efficiency, reduce pain, and help you move safely and confidently.