GAIT ANALYSIS

If you’re a runner, a gait analysis can be used to improve your functional biomechanics. This will optimise your running technique, improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury.

A gait analysis is used to assess the way we move when walking or running. It’s an effective way to identify any inefficient or incorrect movement patterns and habits that you may have developed in your lifetime.

“The Importance of Running Technique”

The assessment will involve walking or running on a treadmill whilst being recorded from multiple angles. We will then replay and analyse the recording in slow motion whilst freezing frames at specific points of interest. Your gait will be analysed throughout the session, highlighting any corrections that need to be made. This gives you a unique opportunity to see yourself moving, often being quite a revelation, and often not what you expected to see! But don’t be worried, we’re here to support you in the process of transforming and optimising your gait to improve your performance and reduce injuries.

Highlights
  • Gait filmed from multiple angles
  • Analysis through the latest software
  • Applicable to your goals
  • Feedback that is easy to understand
  • Expert recommendations based on the results
  • Footwear advice
Benefits
  • Optimise running technique
  • Improve performance
  • Reduce the chances of injury
  • Eliminate pain
  • Realistic goal setting advice

The team at Optimal Movement are trained to put all the elements of running technique together whilst treating you as an individual. Specialists in running performance, the team analyse other details that may be influencing your running such as lifestyle, posture and coordination. This results in comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines to improve your running whatever your distance.

What we do during an Optimal Movement Gait Analysis Session:

Talk – about your lifestyle, injury history, training objectives and goals. We don’t just focus on your running. If you do a lot of sitting throughout the day then is this impacting the way you run? Could you have you formed a compensatory movement pattern as a result of a previous injury? Are you running at the correct paces to achieve your goals? Every one of these aspects is vitally important to ensure any implementations are going to be effective and long-standing.

Assess – We use basic and complex exercises depending on your ability to assess how you are moving and whether you are strong, weak, stable or unstable in specific areas of your body. If you are having difficulty performing a certain movement then we need to deduce what has caused this problem. It may be that you need to go through a learning process to gain control in a movement that is specifically important for running. Competency within foundational aspects of strength and conditioning can transfer to running posture and mechanics.

Analyse – Using our state of the art treadmill that closely mimics running outside on the road (see below) and our high frame rate cameras combined with the latest video analysis software, we follow our customised, evidence-based Optimal Movement guidelines for efficient running technique. We analyse impact forces, stride length and frequency, foot strike, posture and hip mechanics plus other facets of running technique.

Improve – Improving your running mechanics is why you have come to us in the first place so this is where gains are made. There is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to running technique and we can’t change something that is a function of how your own body is setup. However, we can offer a window into which ingredients of running technique you are able to change and advise you on how these changes will result in improved performance. Working on various details can ensure you get stronger and more resilient in your running. Details may be strength or coordination-based and some may need more work than others.

High Knee Stability Drill:

Report – We provide an in-depth report following your gait analysis session detailing the analysis and recommended implementations. After a specified period of time we will see you again for a “reanalysis” and encourage your good habits to “stick”. Although some details can be implemented right away and result in quick improvements, most aspects will take longer to learn. Optimal Movement will be with you through every step to guarantee maximum efficiency.

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Testimonials

It may be cliche but it really has changed my daily life and outlook. I have the confidence to get back running and improve my fitness in the gym
Shalana Wright

Chef & Gym Member

Oli’s treatment was an invaluable part of my success, which enabled me to go on and compete for Great Britain at the world Indoor Championships.
Lewis Moses

International Distance Runner

Joe’s knowledge and expertise used to diagnose and treat my lower back problem was excellent.
Sue Clark

Receptionist

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