As a runner, you’re always striving for improvement. Maybe you’re training for a marathon. Maybe you’re striving to run a faster mile. Or maybe you just want to run without worrying about injury. No matter the reason, gait analysis for runners can help you achieve your goal.
Every time you run, your body cycles through a series of movements that propel you forward. One foot strikes the ground as the other swings forward, and for a moment, both of your feet are off the ground (this “float phase” is what distinguishes running from walking).
The entire cycle makes up your running gait. Everyone’s gait is different–there may be slight variations in how your foot strikes the ground, for example. While this is normal, biomechanics research shows that specific gait patterns are more efficient than others, and an improper running form can set you up for an injury.
At North Austin Physical Therapy, we offer gait analysis for runners to help you understand your unique way of running so you can make necessary adjustments to improve your performance and protect yourself from common injuries.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from a running analysis, then make an appointment at our Leander, TX, and Cedar Park, TX clinics to schedule one for yourself!
What Can I Expect During a Running Gait Analysis?
As you might expect, running is the first thing you’ll do during a gait analysis. We’ll record you from multiple angles as you run on a treadmill, then use those videos to evaluate and explore your unique gait.
We’ll then watch these videos and analyze several specific biomechanical considerations, ensuring we have a complete picture of your unique running gait. From there, we can pinpoint potential issues. Here are some examples:
- Overstriding: This pattern occurs when your foot’s initial contact is too far in front of your body’s center of mass. It’s inefficient and can contribute to shin splints and even stress fractures in your shin bone.
- Collapsing: This pattern occurs when your hips or knees tilt inward, leading to knee and hip pain.
- Weaving: This pattern occurs when your legs cross over your midline, leading to a running gait that somewhat resembles someone walking on a tightrope. It’s often a sign of asymmetrical leg strength, and it can contribute to stress fractures and iliotibial band syndrome.
- Bouncing: As the name suggests, this pattern causes you to bounce up and down as you run, leading to heavy foot strikes and putting you at risk of joint injuries.
Gait Analysis for Runners is Only the Beginning
Of course, the analysis is only the first part of the process. Once we’ve assessed your gait and identified the specific issues holding you back, we’ll create a customized program to correct those issues–reducing your risk of injury and improving your running efficiency.
Gait analysis for runners is a powerful tool that can help runners of all levels and abilities, from beginners to pros. Request an appointment with North Austin Physical Therapy today to learn how you might benefit!d
Tags: gait analysis, running injury prevention, running efficiency, biomechanics evaluation
