Why should you have a Gait Analysis Assessment?
Whether you’re a recreational walker, a keen runner, or even a professional or semi-professional athlete, a Gait Analysis Assessment is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to improve their step performance. Through assessing and optimising your technique, we can help you move more efficiently, and run stronger, for longer.
The three most common reasons why you might get a Gait Assessment are;
- Performance Enhancement – Regardless of if you’re starting for the first time, getting back after some time off or ramping up the intensity of your existing training regime, a gait assessment can help to improve your running efficiency, speed, and endurance.
- Injury Prevention or Recovery – Perfect for individuals with underlying issues or predisposition to injury, who are keen to avoid future complications and ensure nothing hampers you reaching your goals.
- Post-Rehabilitation – For those of you recovering from injury and aiming to return to walking or running, a Gait Analysis Assessment can provide you with additional guidance and support to do so safely and efficiency.
What is a Gait Analysis Assessment?
A Gait Analysis Assessment is a 60-minute session, where one of our expert Physiotherapists will analyse and asses your movement patterns. You’ll start with an initial consultation to understand your walking or running history, any relevant medical background, and what you’re hoping to achieve.
This is followed by a strength assessment using state-of-the-art VALD Force Plate technology to evaluate the muscle groups that play a key role in your gait. Your Physiotherapist will then conduct a video Gait Assessment, capturing slow-motion footage as you walk or run to identify any areas for improvement.
At the end of the session, you’ll receive detailed feedback on your results, along with personalised recommendations for what you can do next to progress confidently. We will also follow-up with a comprehensive report to summarise your findings.
When should I get a Gait Assessment?
Regardless of the circumstances, a Gait Analysis Assessment is always designed to enhance your walking and running mechanics, but there are a number of different ways that you can use this service.
Firstly, and relevant for all, a one-off session will give you a thorough evaluation of your form and what can you do to improve it. For those focussed on boosting their performance, monthly reviews to re-assess improvements can also help to ensure that you’re progressing towards your goals. And finally, if you’re recovering from an injury or working on injury prevention, we recommend a treatment plan that includes regular monitoring and adjustment from one of our specialist Physiotherapists.
Results & benefits
A Gait Analysis Assessment is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of how your body moves when walking or running. By analysing your unique mechanics, it helps to identify potential inefficiencies or risks for injury, allowing you to enhance your performance and reduce the chance of future issues. This insight empowers you with a clearer picture of your body’s strengths and areas for improvement.
After the assessment, you'll receive personalised recommendations, such as targeted exercises, stretches, and modifications to your form, tailored specifically to your needs. These actionable steps are designed to help you walk or run more efficiently, while also supporting you reach your long-term goals.
You can then integrate the provided recommendations into your everyday gait and training routines to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and progress further and faster towards where you want to be. Depending on your findings, you may also wish schedule follow-up sessions to monitor progress and make further adjustments.