The importance of gait analysis
What is it?
A gait analysis is the footprint left by a person's foot when they stand or walk, and it is the foundation of a human's healthy base. A gait analysis study tells us how we should step, and if physical exercise and/or sports are performed, it guides us on what type of footwear would be most suitable for such activities. If necessary, personalized insoles can complement this.
What is a gait analysis?
Therefore, a gait analysis study, also known as a biomechanical gait study, allows us to understand the individual characteristics of each subject's gait. This helps prevent potential injuries, correct and/or detect postural imbalances or misalignments, morphological anomalies, or already established injuries in the feet, knees, hips, and spine.
Types of Gait Analysis
There are two options for obtaining more information about your gait:
- Guidance in specialized sports equipment stores (such as Urban Running stores), where basic and sufficient information is provided, assessing a supinator or pronator tendency in the gait, valid for guiding what type of footwear and/or shoe would be recommended for the user in their physical-sporting activity.
Specialist stores, like Urban Running, provide basic and sufficient information . - On the other hand, we have a much more complete option, which is the clinical biomechanical study of the gait itself, as exemplified by Artrosport as a "Sports Medical Center." The test will allow us to verify the normality or abnormality of the gait, and in the case of an anomalous or inadequate gait, the study should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team, led by a podiatrist, who will in turn interact with traumatologists, sports doctors, physiotherapists, and physical trainers if necessary. The various tests within this study range from examination on a stretcher, dynamic biomechanical tests, pressure platform tests, running footage, to 3D protocol. All of this helps us to prepare the most comprehensive study to guide the optimal footwear for any athlete.
Why it's good for runners
Given that running is increasingly becoming a common sports practice and more popular competitions are driving this trend, we want to make a special appeal to this sport. A gait analysis study is not only interesting but in certain cases essential, as it allows us to recommend personalized shoes for each runner.
The objectives we achieve with a gait analysis study are: . Improved technique. More effective and efficient support while running. . Improved performance. Less tiredness, less fatigue, better times, in short, a higher level of competition. . Injury prevention. We will reduce the frequency and severity of the most common runner injuries; plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tibial periostitis, etc.
Conclusion
We conclude by suggesting and recommending a gait analysis study for anyone who practices physical exercise, sports, and specifically running, in order to improve the health of their gait through the ideal choice of sports footwear.
Dr. Francisco Clemente Ramón Specialist in Sports Medicine Consults at ArtroSport – Sports Medical Center
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