Gait Analysis For Runners & Pronated Feet
November 14, 2016 / ASICS Australia
The Running gait analysis provides runners with essential information about their running style. This is important however long they have been running, as only through knowing their running style will they be able to select the right shoes.
The major focus of gait analysis is to measure the degree of pronation. The Pronation definition is the natural inward roll of the foot as the outside part of the heel strikes the ground. This roll acts as a shock absorber for the leg and body, optimally distributing the force of the impact of the heel hitting the ground.
- Overpronation is when the feet roll inward too much
- Underpronation (or supination) is where the feet don't roll inward enough.
Gait analysis matches the runner's degree of their pronated feet with the correct shoe type, with the aims of counter-balancing over or underpronation, helping reduce the risk of injury and improving running efficiency.
What Is Video Gait Analysis?
It involves running for a few minutes on a treadmill while a video is made of the runner’s feet. This footage is then slowed down and analysed in detail by an ASICS professional who will explain the findings. Runners can then try a variety of shoes selecting cushioning, structured cushioning or maximum support options according to the results.As well as helping runners to find the right shoe through assessing the moment of the foot, video gait analysis also looks at the leg and body's movement and efficiency to see if the analysis can help the runner further. By slowing the video down and viewing the different running stages in detail, ASICS representatives can help identify certain movements which may be triggering injuries or affecting running efficiency.
3D Foot Mapping
The most advanced version of video gait analysis is 3D foot mapping, which, in addition to video, uses both lasers and micro cameras to create a highly detailed 3D image of the foot. A range of information obtained from the scan, such as arch height and the alignment of the Achilles with the leg, is assessed to source the perfect running shoe and could even help runners get to the root of any recurrent injuries.
Foot-ID is unique to ASICS and available to customers in store at ASICS.
Once a runner understands their running style, gait and which type of shoe they need, they?re ready to look at the wide range of shoe styles available.