Gait Analysis FAQ

A simple way of understanding the concept of biomechanics is to consider this analogy. A perfectly aligned car is far less likely to develop faults than one which has mechanical defects such as an uneven axle, a single flat tyre or tracking issue. The human body is also more likely to become injured if there is some form of mechanical malalignment. This could be the result of any one of many imbalances such as a leg length difference, stiff great toe or twisted vertebra! The centre specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of mechanically induced injuries.

Many practitioners simply assess a patient statically but many conditions are caused by the way an individual walks and runs. It is therefore essential that a comprehensive assessment is performed to analyse the movements (kinematics) and forces (kinetics) that may be causing abnormal tissue stress and injury.

Gait analysis can be divided into:

1. Kinetic analysis: This measures forces and pressures. We utilise a state of the art in shoe pressure system with 900 sensors in each shoe to measure kinetic function.
2. Computerised video analysis: Here multiple digital cameras are positioned around the patient. This information is then processed through powerful computerised software to provide information on walking and running. Whilst the system provides useful information, it can only observe motion two dimensionally.
3. Quantitative three dimensional gait analysis: This gold standard system is mainly used in medical research and detailed medical analysis. It is an extremely useful clinical tool that adds a huge amount of objective information to the assessment process.

This will be determined during your initial consultation. This somewhat depends on the nature and complexity of your problem.