Gait Analysis

General Description

Gait analysis is an evaluation of the patient’s foot strike pattern to assess whether there is a biomechanical imbalance or if the structures of the foot and legs are functioning properly. Improper gait can lead to injuries and affect other parts of the body.

A biomechanical gait assessment primarily examines the following aspects:

• How the feet contact the ground while standing and during walking.
• The load borne by each foot and the structures that comprise them.
• Joint behavior during movement.
• The location of the patient’s center of gravity when standing and in motion.

This assessment consists of multiple tests evaluating the functionality and behavior of the foot, knee, hip, and spine in both standing position and during gait. It involves both static and dynamic analysis (while walking or running) aimed at preventing musculoskeletal and osteoarticular injuries.

When is it indicated?

Gait analysis is recommended in the following cases:

• Children: to prevent potential pathologies that may worsen in adulthood if not detected early.
• Athletes: individuals engaged in high-impact sports should pay special attention to foot health and understand their gait to prevent injuries or address them promptly if they occur.
• Chronic pain.
• Irregular footwear wear: predominant wear on the outer or inner edge of shoes.
• Foot deformities: bunions, claw toes, hammer toes, cavus feet, flat feet.
• Predisposition to musculoskeletal or joint injuries.

Through a biomechanical gait assessment, the origin or prevention of the following pathologies can be determined:

• Ankle sprains.
• Tendinitis.
• Muscle overload.
• Stress fractures: microfractures in bones due to excessive foot use.
• Plantar fasciitis: inflammation of the fibrous tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes.
• Metatarsalgia: pain and inflammation in the plantar region, particularly in the area anterior to the toes.
• Patellofemoral syndrome: pain in the anterior aspect of the knee, specifically around the patella.

How is it performed?

A biomechanical gait assessment comprises several steps:

• Medical history (Anamnesis): a thorough patient history to understand lifestyle, medical background, and current pain. In athletes, it is essential to know the type of exercise performed and the footwear typically used.
• Physical examination: observation and palpation of foot structures to detect asymmetries or inflammation. Elasticity, muscle tone, and muscular and joint ranges (full arc, distance, and direction of joint movement) are also assessed.
• Foot evaluation: static and dynamic tests are conducted to analyze musculature, elasticity, and muscle tone.
• Analysis using computerized pressure platforms: the patient stands on platforms that provide data on plantar footprint. Data are collected both standing and in motion, yielding information on posture and pressure distribution across the foot.

Risks

Biomechanical gait assessment poses no health risks.

What to expect from a gait analysis

The assessment begins with an interview to understand the patient’s habits and symptoms. Shoe wear patterns are often analyzed, providing valuable information about weight distribution and gait.

Next, the patient wears comfortable clothing exposing the knees. Initially, the patient lies on an examination table so the specialist can assess foot and leg anatomy without weight-bearing. Joint and muscle range is evaluated using a combination of passive (the patient does not resist the movements performed by the specialist) and active exercises.

Finally, the patient stands on the specialized platform, following the clinician’s instructions to change posture or move.

A biomechanical gait assessment typically lasts 45–90 minutes, depending on the case. Results are usually immediate, allowing the specialist to provide treatment or recommendations in the same session.

Specialties in which gait analysis is requested

Gait analysis is performed by Podiatry specialists.