• Standard physiotherapy assessment: We assess your flexibility, strength, and muscle control before we look at your running. This assessment can help us explain why you are running the way you are.
• Objective gait analysis: Using the motion sensor, we can capture data such as your ground impact, side-to-side movement, symmetry, shock absorption, cadence, and ground contact time. These metrics tell us about how you are running, and where you can make improvements. Our eyes can’t tell you some of the data we capture from the motion sensor. We usually test you at multiple speeds. In many cases, gait quality begins to deteriorate as speed increases.
• Visual gait analysis: We still use our eyes to see how you are running. The motion sensor actually makes it easier for us to watch you run. For example, instead of counting how many footsteps you’re taking per minute, we can focus on other components of your running. The sensor can also help us to objectify what we are seeing.
• Intervention: We provide exercises and/or training recommendations to help you run better. Changing gait can be challenging and some components are easier to change than others. We make sure to provide you with the most actionable recommendations to improve your running.
• Reports: You will receive your gait analysis report via email, after the appointment!

The gait sensor uses accelerometers to measure your movement in 3 dimensions. The data from the accelerometers has been validated and proven to be reliable, which means it measures what it says it is measuring, and does so consistently.

• Over 10-years, the sensor has been correlated with 3D gait analysis. 3D gait analysis technology is used in gait laboratories for research purposes.
• Correlated with force-plate data: The sensor tells you how hard you are hitting the ground, without using force plates. This is one of its most useful features.
• Easy to setup: The sensor is easy to use! It takes very little time to setup, and does not require additional equipment. The sensor is attached to a special neoprene waistbelt that fits securely to your pelvis. The minimal equipment requirements, and easy setup/takedown, makes the gait assessments less costly for everyone.
• Avoids data overload: The gait sensor focuses on important metrics. We try to avoid data overload and focus on information that is actionable and important.

Here are our recommendations:

• Be recovered: Don’t do any strenuous running or other activities (ie. weightlifting or hiking) at least 48-hours before the gait assessment.
• By well-hydrated and nourished: Don’t start a new diet before the race. Make sure you are eating a well balanced diet. Again, we just want to make sure you are feeling good for the run.
• Clothing and shoes: Bring indoor running gear, and bring the shoes you would normally wear (unless they have spikes built into them that may damage the treadmill). You will be running on a treadmill. If you wear multiple pairs of shoes, you can bring the other shoes too.

Don’t be fatigued. Here is why:

• We want to see how you are running when you are feeling good, and before the onset of any aches or pains (if possible).
• Once you start hurting, your gait will change, and it may not represent what it looked like prior to the pain starting.
• We need to establish a baseline: If this is the first time you’re being assessed, we need to start somewhere. Having your baseline data while you’re fresh is better!
• It is important to test you at multiple speeds. For elite level runners, gait quality is usually well maintained at all running speeds. For everyone else, speed tends to result in a reduction of running quality. It is important to pick that up, because that could be where injuries are starting from. If you are tired, the data at higher speeds may change.

We should have time to assess you in a second pair of shoes. Bring your favourite shoes, even if it is more than one make/model. We will do the initial assessment in your #1 pair. If you are thinking of buying new footwear for the test, you may want to wait. Changes in footwear poses an injury risk, depending on how different the shoes are. Changes to footwear are sometimes recommended, but only in certain circumstances.

We may need to re-assess your gait for a number of reasons. We usually look at your gait again after you have performed an intervention for a period of time (ex. after you have performed your exercises for 1-month). Unless it has been over 1-year since we’ve looked at your gait, we don’t need to do a full gait assessment appointment each time. If you are struggling with injuries, we may recommend follow-up appointments for treatment.