Gait Analysis – how to make it simple
Brian Beatty, PT, CFP
Take in the Big Picture
Relax your view, step back and notice “what catches your attention first”? There is a reason you noticed this. Peripheral vision inherently filters for things that are off or unusual. Use this natural trait to your advantage.
Look in Three dimensions
Analyze what you see relative to the 3 planes of motion
Listen
Landing or Foot Strike is key. What do you hear, how hard do the feet land, is it symmetrical?
Find the Center
Watch the center, where is the pelvis moving, side to side, up or down, tilting?
Find the Line to “Do It On One”
Line up the parts from the front when on one leg, foot, knee, hip joint, torso and ear
Look for any signs of “‘medial (midline) collapse”
Runners are clever
Look for tricky counterbalances and compensations, ex. pelvis to one side and torso to the other
Understand Before Correcting
When you see an obvious deviation or pattern that does not seem right to you, ask yourself, “why would they do that, what purpose does it serve?”
If a person is doing this particular action, they have a reason. It is their attempt to accomplish something.
In order for them to change that pattern, they have to be able to find another way to meet the same need.
Categories: Training Program Coaches