Gait, running & movement analysis

What is a gait, running & movement analysis?

A gait analysis is the systematic examination of walking: posture, joint angles, symmetries, foot strike and muscle work are recorded step by step. The running analysis looks at the same parameters when jogging/running, where forces and ranges of motion are higher. A movement analysis expands the view of functional everyday and sports movements - such as squats, jump-landing or changes of direction. The goal is not the “perfect” technique, but rather the recognition of individual patterns that can promote symptoms or influence healing processes.

• 2D/3D video analysis for angle and posture evaluation
• Pressure measurement on the foot (pedography) to assess load distribution
• Optional: surface EMG for muscle activity
• Optional: Inertial sensors (IMUs) for movements outside the treadmill

All procedures are non-invasive and radiation-free. They complement the clinical examination, but do not replace it.

Who is the analysis useful for?

An analysis is particularly helpful if complaints occur or recur under stress and the cause cannot be explained by the static findings alone. Typical questions:

• Knee: anterior knee pain, runner's knee (ITB syndrome), patellar tendinopathy
• Foot & Ankle: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon problems, recurring sprain injuries
• Hip & Pelvis: Hip impingement, Trendelenburg sign, groin pain during exercise
• Spine: load-dependent lumbar/thoracic spine pain, pelvic tilt pattern
• Endoprosthetics & after operations: Unsteady gait, asymmetries in rehabilitation
• Osteoarthritis: Clarification of incorrect loading for a conservative relief strategy
• Sport: training management, technique screening and return to running after injuries

Not every finding requires a comprehensive series of measurements. We will clarify in the preliminary discussion whether the expected benefit for your question is given.

What questions does the analysis answer?

• Foot strike & pronation: How do you strike (heel, midfoot, forefoot)? Is the inward rotation of the foot within the physiological range?
• Knee and hip mechanics: Is there dynamic valgus (X position) or pelvic depression?
• Trunk Control: Is there trunk submission or rotation patterns that place stress on the lumbar spine?
• Stride length & cadence: Are stride frequency and length appropriate for speed and body type?
• Symmetry: Are there differences between sides in the stance and swing phases or in the pressure distribution?
• Load peaks: Where do high peak loads occur (e.g. forefoot, medial part of the knee)?
• Muscle coordination: Do relevant muscle groups activate in a timely and sufficient manner?

The answers are incorporated into diagnostics and therapy planning - for example when deciding on exercise programs, technology modifications or insoles.

Process in our practice

Duration: approx. 45–60 minutes (depending on the question). Please bring your regularly worn shoes (everyday/running shoes) and wear tight-fitting sports clothing.

Measuring methods & technology

• 2D high-speed video: frontal and sagittal perspectives, slow motion and angle analysis.
• 3D analysis (markerless or marker-based, depending on the setup): solid angles, joint paths, symmetries.
• Pedography/pressure measurement: Dynamic pressure distribution on the foot, center of gravity (COP).
• Surface EMG (optional): Temporal patterns of muscle activity.
• Inertial sensors (optional): Measurement of accelerations/rotations outside the treadmill.

The procedures are validated and complement the physical examination. Imaging procedures such as ultrasound or CBCT are not part of the gait analysis itself, but can be useful for specific questions (e.g. tendon assessment in ultrasound, bony axis assessment in imaging).

Evaluation, findings & report

You will receive a structured discussion of the results with prioritization of the relevant points. The findings typically include still images/sequences, angle and pressure curves, and a brief interpretation in everyday language.

• Key findings: e.g. B. dynamic valgus on the left, reduced cadence, high forefoot load on the right.
• Likely connections: Which patterns match your symptoms?
• Recommended measures: exercises, technical instructions, aids, further diagnostics.
• Progress control plan: timing and scope of a re-check.

Important: A movement analysis shows correlates and hypotheses - it does not replace clinical diagnosis and does not guarantee freedom from symptoms.

What can be conservatively derived from the analysis?

Our focus is on conservative, everyday recommendations. The aim is to better control stress and support tissue healing.

• Physiotherapeutic exercises: strength (especially hip and trunk muscles), coordination, stretching as determined.
• Neuromuscular training: balance, reaction and landing control.
• Technique and cadence coaching: Small adjustments with a potentially big impact.
• Shoe and insole advice: Selection/change is individual – tested variants in the measurement setup help with decisions.
• Temporary load management: gradual increase, cross-training.
• Taping/Orthotics: Situational for short-term relief.

Regenerative procedures (e.g. injections) are only considered - if at all - after conservative options have been exhausted and after careful risk-benefit assessment.

Sport-specific aspects

Running is not the only dynamic exercise. Change of direction and jumping sports place special demands on leg axis and landing control.

• Jump-Landing Analysis: Detection of Valgus Collapse and Asymmetric Loading.
• Cutting/Change-of-Direction: Core and hip stability, foot positioning.
• Return-to-Run/Sport: Objective criteria for gradually increasing load.

Limits, risks & education

• Treadmill vs. outdoors: technology may vary; we take this into account in the interpretation.
• Daily form dependency: Fatigue/pain influence the pattern.
• Measurement errors can never be completely ruled out; multiple passes reduce artifacts.
• Risk: Very rare falls on the treadmill - we ensure the process and stop if you are unsure.
• No promise of cure: The analysis is a building block within an overall concept.

Preparation & checklist

• Tight-fitting sports clothing, shorts; Bring clean sports shoes.
• Take along regularly used insoles/shoes – ideally several pairs.
• If possible, no unusual maximum loads 24 hours before the appointment.
• Bring preliminary findings (pictures, doctor's letters) and medication list with you.
• For acute pain: Please specify – we will adjust the intensity.

Useful additions to diagnostics

Depending on the question, the movement analysis can be supplemented by other methods. The aim is a holistic but targeted diagnosis without unnecessary examinations.

• Ultrasound diagnostics: assessment of tendons, muscles, bursa.
• Elastography: Assessment of tissue elasticity, e.g. B. in tendinopathies.
• Neuro & muscle functional diagnostics: strength/recruitment patterns, reflexes, coordination.
• Laboratory diagnostics including metabolic and inflammatory diagnostics: relevance to healing processes.
• CBCT/Imaging: For specific bony issues and axis problems.

Your appointment in Hamburg

Our practice is located at Dorotheenstraße 48, 22301 Hamburg. We make appointments for gait, running and movement analysis according to indication. We would be happy to advise you in advance as to whether the examination makes sense for your concerns.