The analysis begins with you doing a warm-up while running at a slow, and comfortable speed for about 5-10 minutes.

After the warm-up, we begin recording data and assessing your gait.

We will usually assess your gait at multiple speeds.  So expect to run a mix of fast and slow.  It does not take long to collect the data -- we usually only need 1-2 minutes per speed.

Depending on the scenario, we may practice different gait interventions after the assessment is over.  For example, you may be asked to run with a higher step rate / cadence to assess your response.

• Falling:  The biggest risk of the test is falling on the treadmill.  We mitigate this risk by going through the process before the test, and wearing the treadmill safety clip.
• PAR-Q:  Before the test, you should have been screened using a PAR-Q form to assess your readiness for physical activity.  If you are on any medications or believe there is any reason that you should not be performing aerobic physical activity, please let your tester know.  Medical consultation may be required before performing this test.  
• Physical activity risk:  There are risks to any form of physical activity.  We mitigate these risks by screening you thoroughly before the test.  If there is an elevated risk, we refer to the appropriate medical provider before performing this test.  If there is no known additional risk, we can schedule the test and begin!

• Water bottle
• Athletic / running clothes (shorts and t-shirt)
• *Shoes:  The assessment is performed using your "go-to" shoes.  If you have multiple pairs of shoes that you want to be assessed with, please bring them along.  We may not have time to assess you in all of your shoes.  If you have shoes with different properties (ie. minimalist vs. high cushion) it may be a good idea that we assess you in both pairs.

Intake forms are very important to fill out, well in advance of the test.  The intake forms will be sent to you via email upon booking your appointment.  You will have to complete a screening form to make sure the test is appropriate for you to take (if it isn't, we may require a doctor's note).  There are also questions that help us to setup your test appropriately.

• Have a normal meal 2-3 hours before the appointment.
• You may have small snacks leading up to the appointment.  It just isn't a good idea to get you running on a full stomach.
• Racing:  You need to be recovered, so please do not race close to the appointment date.
• The day before the appointment:  A light "recovery run" the day before the test is okay, but nothing more.  No other strenuous exercise is recommended the day before the appointment.  Your objective is to be fully recovered.
• Do not train on the day of the appointment.

• Wearing the treadmill safety clip is mandatory.
• All intake and screening forms must be completed at least 48-hours before the test date.

Please keep in mind that we reserve 1 hour for this appointment.  There are also preparations done before the appointment to make sure everything goes smoothly.  If you need to cancel, the sooner you can cancel the better.  Stride has a 24-hour cancellation policy; a fee may be applied to any cancellations within 24-hours of your appointment.