Gait and Running Analysis
What Is A Video Running Analysis?
Video running analysis is a valuable tool physical therapists use to evaluate a runner’s biomechanics and technique. Runners of all levels—from beginners to seasoned athletes—can benefit from this assessment. It helps identify whether pain or injury may be linked to underlying biomechanical issues related to alignment or movement patterns. Additionally, even pain-free runners can use video analysis as a performance-enhancing strategy to improve running efficiency, refine technique, and optimize overall form.
The patient runs on a treadmill at speeds determined with the physical therapist, while their form is assessed in real time and recorded from three angles. Using specialized software, the PT conducts an in-depth biomechanical analysis of the footage. The findings directly inform the patient’s plan of care, including targeted exercises to improve running technique.
Who Can Benefit From A Running Analysis?
All runners can benefit from a video running analysis! It is especially valuable for those who experience pain during or after their runs, are currently managing an injury, recovering from one, or have a history of recurring issues. Video analysis is also an excellent tool for runners preparing for a race or training goal, as refining running form can improve efficiency and ultimately enhance performance and race times.
What Does Someone Gain From Getting A Running Or Gait Analysis?
By undergoing video running (or gait) analysis the patient would gain insight into their running technique and be able to understand exactly where mechanical breakdown and issues with form are taking place. With this information the patient is able to participate in specific PT guided exercises and drills to correct those dysfunctions found. They can then continue running or return to running pain free, with greater efficiency, and a decreased chance of injury.
What Can You Expect During A Running/Gait Analysis?
Before the running analysis begins, the patient meets with the physical therapist for a discussion and evaluation. Together, they review the patient’s medical history, running and exercise habits, and goals. Based on this information, the PT determines how long the patient will run on the treadmill and at which speeds. The patient is then given time to complete their usual warm-up before starting the formal assessment. During the analysis, the patient runs at 1–4 different speeds while being filmed from three angles.
After filming, the PT uses specialized software to evaluate the runner’s technique and identify potential mechanical issues. Each major joint—including the ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, spine, shoulders, and elbows—is assessed. The PT captures images from different phases of the run and measures joint angles to highlight left–right asymmetries and biomechanical dysfunctions. Once the patient completes a brief cool-down, the PT reviews the results and discusses next steps, including treatment recommendations if needed.
How Are The Results Of A Video Running Analysis Presented?
After the run is filmed, it takes about one week to receive the complete analysis. The results are presented in a detailed report that begins with key information about the patient’s running technique, such as cadence, foot strike, and the phases of the run that were evaluated. The report then includes images captured at various speeds and angles, highlighting specific moments where biomechanical issues occur. Each issue is clearly explained so the patient understands what is happening and why. The analysis concludes with personalized training recommendations designed to correct biomechanical faults and improve running efficiency.
What Can One Expect After Having A Running/Gait Analysis?
For pain-free runners seeking to enhance performance, at least one follow-up session is recommended after the analysis. During this visit, the PT will review the findings in detail and ensure the patient understands the prescribed exercises and training drills.
For runners rehabilitating an injury, the insights gained from the analysis are incorporated directly into the patient’s plan of care and used to guide their progression toward safe and efficient return-to-running goals.
Key Takeaways
- A video running analysis is appropriate for all types of runners—those recovering from pain, injury, or surgery (with clearance to run), as well as pain-free runners seeking to improve performance and technique.
- The analysis provides an in-depth assessment of gait biomechanics at predetermined speeds and from three different angles. Key moments from the run are captured, and joint angles are measured to identify biomechanical dysfunctions and asymmetries.
- Patients receive a detailed report summarizing the findings and outlining the physical therapist’s recommendations.
- Each patient is given individualized exercises and training drills tailored to their specific needs and goals—no generic plans or templates.
