Gait Analysis
The London Podiatry Centre has one of the most advanced dedicated podiatric gait facilities anywhere in the world today.
We have a whole website dedicated to our Gait Analysis services and facilities at
Whilst the Centre's 3D Vicon system is more commonly seen in university research facilities and special effect movie sets, it represents one of our most important diagnostic services.
Many injuries and conditions that are encountered occur as a consequence of an inherent abnormality in walking and it is only after diagnosing such deviations in normal "gait" that an accurate and highly specific treatment plan can be created.
Gait abnormalities occur in all manner of individuals but several key areas where we use our system extensively include:
- The technology is particularly used to diagnose the cause of an injury so that an effective evidence based treatment approach can be adopted.
- the analysis of children with walking abnormalities;
- complex injury management which has not responded to other treatments;
- professional and recreational athletes of all standards who are prone to injury.
Gait analysis can be divided into several components and these include:
- 2D analysis - where cameras are used to observe changes in walking without undertaking specific measurements
- Kinetic analysis - where up to 900 sensors are placed in each shoe so as to measure the forces, moments, pressures and loading times.
- 3D analysis - where advanced infra-red motion capture systems are used to recreate a digital model of the patient so that highly detailed quantitative data is obtained. Very few podiatric centres have this technology even though it is without doubt, the gold standard for analysing movement.
Please also refer to the FAQs for further information
2D ANALYSIS
Two dimensional gait analysis using digital cameras and computerised software forms the mainstay of this assessment. The body is analysed comprehensively to shed light on the various imbalances which may be contributing towards the patients complaint. The information is cross referenced against the medical exam and biomechanical assessment and pressure analysis is often incorporated into this test.
Two dimensional gait analysis provides much useful data but it is ultimely far less accurate than advanced 3d technology. Furthermore, many of the imbalances and measurements that are obtain with 3d technology cannot be seen with 2d analysis
3D ANALYSIS
The Centre provides three dimensional analysis for those patients who require the most advanced form of gait investigation currently available. The assessment is ideal for patient who opt for a no compromise approach to gait analysis. It is invaluable in the assessment of professional athletes, paediatrics and for complex injury management. It provides base line information for future comparison and this can be invaluable for patients suffering from progressive disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson's disease. The centre uses a state of the art Vicon motion capture system.
On the right is a video which shows how the centre managed to correct a patient's limp by means of a specialised ankle brace. 3D Vicon technology has been used to assess the patient. The yellow figure is the patient without the brace. Superimposed on the same video sequence is the same patient with the brace, this time in red. Note how the patient walks far more normally with the brace. This treatment has enhanced the patient's quality of life allowing her to walk pain-free for much longer distances!
Video showing improvement in patient gait after treatment as seen using the Vicon 3D computerised gait analysis system
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCI-6d24bgA&feature=emb_logo
KINETIC ANALYSIS
The London Podiatry Centre uses in-shoe pressure sensors to assess and measure force, pressure and timing. The system allows us to determine whether conditions of the foot relate to abnormalities in force and pressure. It also allows us to look at gait efficiency in a more general sense by optimising factors such as the centre of pressure, the force time relationship and other "kinetic" variables.
For far more comprehensive information on our gait service please review our dedicated website: gaituk.com
Gait Analysis FAQ
What does gait analysis do?
There are many forms of gait analysis. At The London Podiatry Centre we have true scientific objective gait analysis where movement is quantified using one of the most fast-tracking systems in the world. For more information see our website www.gaituk.com
Is gait analysis worth it?
We certainly think so as gait analysis is a diagnostic tool. The best way to treat an injury or a condition is to understand why symptoms are occurring as it is often the body that often stops the healing of the injury/condition in the first place. From gait analysis, The London Podiatry Centre can build an understanding as to why the injury/condition has occurred and to treat it in the most objective and effective way possible.
How much does gait analysis?
Please contact The London Podiatry Centre for information because this does depend on the type of assessment that you undergo.
How do you analyse gait?
This can be done in the most basic of ways by simply observing the patient walking. However, at The London Podiatry Centre we use extremely advanced technology to scientifically evaluate gait. Further information can be found on our website www.gaituk.com
Does gait analysis apply to running?
We spend considerable time at The London Podiatry Centre assessing runners to determine what it is about their running that causes an injury. In other cases, we assess running to improve efficiency and by understanding the deficiencies in running (which could represent a full range) we can then treat these most effectively. For example, some runners run with excessive pelvic tilt due to a leg length discrepancy whilst others have asymmetry in their foot function that generates injury. If we do not detect these problems through gait analysis, they can be hard to treat.
How long do you have to run for gait analysis?
This will depend on the nature of the problem but generally for a few minutes.
When and why would you do gait analysis?
Most patients that come to us have an injury, which requires effective diagnosis in terms of the underlying cause. This means that when The London Podiatry Centre evaluates the way patients walk and run, understanding why the injury has been caused will allow for an evidence-based treatment approach. We do gait analysis to assess gait to make sure it is within normal range. Whilst it is important in any age, we often see children with gait abnormalities that need to be assessed. We also see elderly patients who are predisposed to falls and gait analysis can greatly help to understand why this happens. This is why it has become established in fall prevention clinics.
Is running gait analysis worth it?
Yes, very much so but it does depend on who does it. If you are assessed by an experienced salesperson in a shoe shop, the benefits may be more limited (although potentially still of some use) but if it is undertaken using scientific equipment at The London Podiatry Centre by highly trained and skilled practitioners, the benefits can be immeasurable.
How do I know my gait type?
The way to determine your style of gait and whether your gait is within normal parameters, you need gait analysis. The London Podiatry Centre will analyse your data to determine whether your gait is within the normal range. Abnormalities in gait might include an early heel lift which can be caused by tight calf muscles. Another example would be a pelvic tilt due to a leg length discrepancy.
Do you need gait analysis?
It is in a sense surprising that few people have gait analysis given that abnormalities in gait both during walking and sport is a key cause for many types of injury. Many practitioners will simply treat the injury but not consider the underlying cause through gait analysis. The London Podiatry Centre has invested significant revenue in creating what is the most advanced stand-alone podiatric gait facility in the UK at present.
What are the phases of running gait?
The phases of running gait include contact phase, mid-stance and propulsion. This relates to the first point at which the foot makes contacts with the ground, the mid-point where the foot is flat on the ground and the push-off phase where only the forefoot is on the ground. The London Podiatry Centre will analyse each of these phases to determine where the abnormality lies if present.
