Gait Analysis

Physical Therapist’s Role in Gait Analysis

Physical therapy plays a key role in both walking and running gait analysis by evaluating how a person moves to identify abnormalities or inefficiencies¹. Gait analysis can assist in the diagnostic process and serves as a valuable starting point for more detailed assessment.

During a walking gait assessment, therapists assess factors like stride length, joint angles, muscle coordination, trunk and arm position, and balance using observation or tools like video assessment.

Running gait requires a more detailed approach due to the higher forces and speed involved ². In addition to components assessed with walking, therapists can also examine cadence, foot strike pattern, and how the body absorbs impact through the hips, knees, and ankles ³.

Based on these assessments, physical therapists can develop individualized treatment plans that include strengthening, mobility work, and movement retraining ⁴. For runners, interventions may also involve cadence modification and adjustments to running mechanics of the upper and lower extremities to reduce injury risk and improve efficiency ⁵.

The overall goal is to enhance movement efficiency, reduce pain, and optimize performance in both daily walking and higher-level activities involving running ⁶, ⁷.

References:

1. Baker, R. (2006). Gait analysis methods in rehabilitation. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 3(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-3-4
2. Novacheck, T. F. (1998). The biomechanics of running. Gait & Posture, 7(1), 77–95.
3. Lieberman, D. E., Venkadesan, M., Werbel, W. A., Daoud, A. I., D’Andrea, S., Davis, I. S., Mang’Eni, R. O., & Pitsiladis, Y. (2010). Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners. Nature, 463(7280), 531–535. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature08723
4. Alvarez, M. (2025). Advancing human mobility and recovery through modern physical therapy practice. Journal of Pain Management and Medicine, 11(6), 361. https://doi.org/10.35248/2684-1320.25.11.361
5. Heiderscheit, B. C., Chumanov, E. S., Michalski, M. P., Wille, C. M., & Ryan, M. B. (2011). Effects of step rate manipulation on joint mechanics during running. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(2), 296–302. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181ebedf4
6. Hinrichs, R. N. (1987). Upper extremity function in running. Human Movement Science, 6(2), 147–163.
7. Saunders, S. W., Schache, A., Rath, D., & Hodges, P. W. (2004). Changes in three-dimensional lumbo-pelvic kinematics and trunk muscle activity with running speed. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 34(7), 356–366.