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Gait Analysis

Gait Analysis

Research has shown that 80% of all runners will have some type of injury, at some point during their career, which will require them to take at least 1 month off from training. On the contrary, neither 80% of basketball players nor 80% of chess players, encounter this problem. Therefore, the logical question is “What's the difference”? The answer is simple. Small imbalances in movement patterns are exaggerated after you have spent thousands of miles on your feet. Being proactive and obtaining a thorough analysis of movement corrects imbalance, improves movement efficiency, prevents injury, reduces time away from training, and indirectly enhances your athletic performance. Each individual has a “unique running form”. We use scientific data to find “your correct running form”.

Basic Gait Assessment

Cost: $150, ~ 2-2.5 hours

We begin the process with a detailed interview that details either the historical aspects of your injury or whether your visit to the SPEED Clinic is solely to improve your “time” in a forthcoming race. Following the interview, we perform a specific musculoskeletal examination, and perform static and dynamic biomechanical assessments. Subsequently, we piece together your comments, needs and relate them to your body alignment, flexibility, strength, and dynamic control. You are provided with a form that summarizes the results and a customized plan of essential exercises to integrate into your daily routine.

3D Gait Assessment

Cost: $300, ~ 2.5 hours

The premier service for runners, unrivaled by any other biomechanical testing facility in the United States. We first perform a basic gait assessment following which you are fitted with reflective markers that are subsequently calibrated to the infrared Vicon camera system. Joint measurements (kinematics) are captured at 250 times a second – the fastest speed in current technology, while you run on our unique treadmill that captures your running forces (kinetics) in three planes simultaneously. Thus, we are able to generate an enormous amount of meaningful data in a relatively short time. The data are then analyzed and provide valuable insights into your running mechanics and potential musculoskeletal imbalances.

3D Gait Assessment with Video and Exercise Option

Cost: $450, ~ 3.5 hours

Includes all components of basic and 3D gait assessments, and a DVD of 7-10 minutes video that features “still frame”, slow motion analysis, and graphs. The video is explained and discussed in detail to you by our staff. The DVD also includes a library of therapeutic exercises that demonstrates both correct and faulty techniques. This feature will allow you to maintain correct form on a consistent basis and facilitate appropriate functional or therapeutic interventions either by your physician, therapist, or coach.

For Athletes

Testimonials

I felt great on the bike and was able to really focus on the correct back position and heel-down pedal stroke throughout which really helped my power and pedaling efficiency throughout the ride. Needless-to-say a big confidence boost for Master Nats in 3 weeks. Thanks again, Rob

Feature Article

Principles of Injury Rehabilitation

The majority of running injuries are related to overuse. We do too much, too fast, too soon. Most injuries occur during a transition period-a period where our training is undergoing some type of change. Common examples include increasing mileage too quickly, changing intensity of training, such as moving from a base/distance phase to a strength or speed phase, changing the surface one trains on, or even changing the type of running shoes. Rarely do I see injuries in folks who train very consistently, unless they are in the middle of a transition phase. The transition, rather than the absolute amount of training, seems to be liked closely to injury.

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 Last modified on: October 25, 2007