Biomechanical study of gait

The biomechanical study of gait allows an analysis of the foot in a static position, without the person moving. Also dynamically, observing the patient's gait and analyzing a whole series of data provided by the study, as well as the relationship of the feet when walking with other structures, such as the knee, hip and spine.

Taking this test can help prevent injuries muscular and osteoarticular such as repetitive sprains, toe pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis or joint overuse injuries, among others. With each step taken, the feet bear a pressure equivalent to three times the weight of the person, hence it is essential to walk properly.

This study is from special relevance for people who are dedicated to sport professionally, as the way you run and support your feet can influence your performance and minimize the risk of injury; Hence, the biomechanical study of gait is carried out in all high-performance centers for athletes.

Phases of the biomechanical study of gait

The biomechanical study of the gait consists of several phases and is a painless test that does not require any type of preparation and lasts less than an hour.

Examination of the patient

The patient is first explored, observing the muscular and articular structures, the leveling of the hips, the possible alterations of the feet and the flexion and extension angles of the foot, as well as the ability to lean in and out.

Static and dynamic analysis of the footprint

For this, a pressure platform is used, which is a platform with sensors that detect pressure that is exerted on them both when supporting the feet without moving and when walking. This information is transmitted to a computer program that transform into some images that allow you to see which are the points of maximum pressure both when standing still and when walking and the possible alterations in gait. It's more, all phases of the tread are recorded, heel support, midfoot support, full foot support, heel lift off and rest of the foot off, evaluating the pressures exerted and the duration of these in each phase of for example:

• If the patient loads more on one foot than the other.
• If you tend to tip your foot in or out with each step.

While the study is being carried out, a recording of the gait is carried out by means of high-speed video cameras that allow taking 1200 images per second, which allows observing alterations that would not be detected with the naked eye, as well as evaluating the joint angles.

What is detected with this phase?

Carrying out this study makes it possible to detect gait alterations that would not be easily detected by the naked eye and with a physical examination. If there are areas of high pressure or where the support on them is excessively long in time, with this information specialists can make plantar orthoses, that is, templates, that minimize these defects. This, for example, is very helpful in preventing pressure ulcer injuries in patients.

Who is it recommended to?

The biomechanical study of gait is very simple and can be performed by anyone who wishes, but it can be very important for people who regularly practice sports that involve constant impact and great pressure on the foot. patients with joint pain long-standing or in diabetic patients to prevent possible injury.

What you should know:

• It is used to evaluate how a person walks and to see if there is any alteration that needs to be corrected.
• It can help prevent muscle and osteoarticular injuries such as repetitive sprains, toe pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis ...
• This test is important for athletes, especially professionals, and is included in some health insurance.

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