How to Run Gait Analysis

Gait is the way our bodies move from one point to another, such as walking or running. Gait analysis is a running or walking assessment method used to determine any bio-mechanical abnormalities that may be present. You can analyze your own gait by using a simple wet test method. However, the most complete and accurate gait analysis is performed by medical specialists such as a podiatrist or a physiotherapist.

Things You'll Need

  • Shallow pan
  • Brown paper bag
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay out the shallow pan and the brown paper bag side by side on the floor.

    • 2

      Pour water into the shallow pan just enough to fill in a thin layer.

    • 3

      Place the bottom of your foot onto the pan, and let your sole get wet all over.

    • 4

      Take that same foot and step onto the brown shopping bag for five seconds.

    • 5

      Step off of the bag and look down at your footprint.

    • 6

      Observe the shape of the footprint you just made to analyze your running gait. A normal arch footprint will show about half of a foot arch. The foot arch is the middle arch or curve on the middle of your foot. If the footprint has about half an arch, this means you are a normal pronator, with a normal walking or running gait that allows your foot arch to collapse inward and absorb shock. If you see an entire footprint like a filled-in foot sole with no arch, a flat arch or a low arch, you may have a flat foot, which means you have an over pronating gait. The lack of an arch causes your foot to collapse inward excessively right after each walking or running foot strike. This results in excessive foot motion, causing more stress to your body. If the wet footprint consists of mostly just your heel and the bottom of your foot, then you may have a high arch. This means that you may have an under pronator or supinator gait. Supination can result in too much leg stress because the arch does not collapse enough to absorb shock from walking or running.