What is video gait analysis?
You are videoed while running / walking on a treadmill from a full 360 degrees, these images are then synchronised on a computer screen and are played back to you frame by frame to demonstrate how your body behaves through the entire gait cycle.

My local running store offers free gait analysis, is there any difference?
These days, running stores and shops offer free gait analysis when buying a pair of running shoes. We always promote you using this service as it works really well to help you choose the ideal running shoe based on your footshape. StrideUK also provide this service as a basic module, our main service concentrates on assessing your entire running technique and not just what your feet are doing. Full 360 degree video gait analysis is the only way to help you understand various muscular imbalances that often lead to restricted performance and vulnerability to injury. As much as suitable running shoes are important, we aim to get you running better.

How can taking a video of me running help me improve my performance?
Viewing your running  / walking technique in slow-motion using highly calibrated monitoring equipment enables us to track any postural imbalances, weaknesses and flexibility issues that could intern affect your performance and could result in wear and tear injuries. Gaining this information provides us with the ability to create your very own ‘postural blueprint’ incorporating a training / rehabilitation regime specifically for yourself including a stretch and strengthening program. This information pack will not only include possible orthotic suggestions, but also cross references your data against all major running shoe manufacturers providing you with the most perfect trainer recommendation. A take home CD rom will be also be provided to use as reference or show to your friends!

What will happen during my visit?
Your assessment will include us taking your medical history, performing a physical examination of your joints and muscles, body marking the skeletal and muscular system, pressure foot analysis and videoing you running barefoot and also in your trainers. Once the data has been collated we analyse the results and produce a full postural report including multimedia illustrations. These reports contain specific information including locating potential weaknesses and help understand the nature of possible injuries, i.e. uncovering any abnormal mechanisms which may be related to your own particular problems.  You will be provided with your own ‘blueprint’ with recommendations on stretching and strengthening to increase performance and avoid injury.  We advise that you return in a 6-12month period to re-assess your alignment and observe improvements.   

What should I wear?
As body marking is a fundamental part of the process, it's important that we can access as much skin as possible. We therefore recommend that you bring close fitting type sports clothing (shorts or trunks for the gents, and hot pants and sports bra / top for females. Please bring a range of your running shoes (clean) the more the better. Bring a towel & clothes to change back into after.

How long do I have to run for during my analysis?
Depending on your module, our systems only require approximately 10 - 12 minutes of running to gain all the information we need. We film you at your comfortable running pace, there will be short intervals within this time too.

Would I need a further consultation?
One consultation is typically all you need to gain the information necessary to see you well on the way to progressing with your sport via an individualised training strategy and perfect trainer recommendation. However many sportspeople like to re-book within 6 months to a year to re-assess their alignmenand check for improvements. Naturally, we will store any previous analysis you have had with us to use as comparison for that later date.    

I don’t run  as a sport / hobby, but I do play other sports, why would video gait analysis benefit me?
Virtually every sport whose activities involve running and changing direction at speed can produce wear and tear injuries, (imagine a process where a force greater than two and one-half times body weight is transmitted through the leg with each footstep, 1700 times per mile.) However, sports such as golf, swimming and cycling share an alternate vulnerability to injury, which is popularly called ‘overuse’. This is one way of saying that a key part of an athlete's body simply can't stand up to the regular pressures of training and competition without breaking down. Video Gait Analysis is used in almost every top end sport, whether it’s Tiger Woods’ golf swing to Roger Federers forehand. StrideUK works with assessing balance throughout your body, helping to iron out any form of muscle imbalancement that prevent the body from functioning to it’s best ability.

I suffer with back pain, would Video Gait Analysis help?
As your feet are the prime connection between you and the ground, your knees and back become the most common problematic areas that absorb excess pressure as a result of a poor walking / running gait. Video Gait Analysis is a great way of assessing these areas as there is only so much the human eye can process at one time and one speed to determine everything about your posture. Having the technology to syncronise and view your entire gait at every angle, at any chosen speed is the ultimate way of finding discrepancies and poor muscular habits.
 
What is pronation or flat feet?
Over-pronation, or flat feet is a common biomechanical problem that occurs in the walking process when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the foot to flatten and adding stress to other parts of the foot. Often people with flat feet do not experience discomfort immediately, however, when symptoms develop and become painful, walking becomes awkward and causes increased strain on the feet and calves. Trainer Therapy or Orthotics are the most common way of supporting your foot shape. StrideUK uses ‘Motionquest’ that cross references your analysis against all major running shoe manufacturers providing you with the most suitable trainer recommendation.