When we think about athletes, it’s easy to focus on high-intensity movements like sprinting, jumping, and running. However, one often overlooked but essential aspect of performance optimization and injury prevention is walking gait analysis. This blog dives into why walking gait is a critical foundation for improving athletic performance and avoiding injuries, whether you’re a runner, soccer player, or even a swimmer.
Why Walking Gait Matters for Athletes
Walking is something we do every day, but for athletes, it’s much more than just getting from point A to point B. Walking reveals key biomechanical patterns that can provide valuable insights into how an athlete moves overall. Walking gait analysis can spot imbalances, asymmetries, and inefficiencies that might not be apparent in more complex movements like running or jumping. These issues, if left unchecked, can lead to overuse injuries—something all too common in sports.
The Link Between Walking and Running
One of the most frequently asked questions by athletes and coaches alike is, “Can improving walking mechanics help with running performance?” The answer isn’t straightforward. Walking and running rely on different motor patterns; running involves a period of float (both feet off the ground), while walking has periods where both feet are on the ground. So, while improving walking mechanics doesn’t automatically change running form, it can significantly enhance foundational movement patterns, making higher-intensity activities smoother and more efficient.
Walking Gait: A Proactive Approach to Injury Prevention
Stress is stress, and how an athlete moves before they even step on the field or track has a massive impact on whether they perform at their best—or get injured. Walking gait analysis can reveal underlying issues that accumulate over time and contribute to injuries when athletes push their limits.
For example, in military settings, many running injuries can be traced back to the cumulative load of activities like ruck marching. This concept applies across all sports. By conducting a walking gait analysis and addressing any issues early on, athletes can reduce the likelihood of injury during high-stress activities like running or jumping.
Post-Surgical and Non-Surgical Athletes
The importance of walking gait analysis is especially evident in post-surgical or recovering athletes. Whether an athlete is returning from an ankle sprain or ACL surgery, correcting walking mechanics early on can prevent larger issues from arising. Athletes who don’t regain full walking function may unknowingly place stress on joints like the patellofemoral joint, which can lead to re-injury once they return to full activity.
Gait Analysis Tools: How Technology is Changing the Game
Thanks to advancements in technology, walking gait analysis is more accessible and accurate than ever. Tools like the Helix 3D from RunDNA allow for real-time, objective data collection on an athlete’s walking gait. This data can pinpoint inefficiencies or asymmetries that need to be addressed. Additionally, the Helix 3D’s walking score allows athletes and coaches to track progress, making it easier to see the impact of interventions.
Common Walking Gait Abnormalities to Look Out For
At RunDNA, we’re focusing on common walking gait abnormalities and how they can impact overall function. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Asymmetry: Uneven movements between the left and right sides can indicate muscle imbalances or compensations.
- Spatio-temporal characteristics: Timing and spatial factors like stride length and foot placement can reveal inefficiencies.
- Terminal extension issues: Lack of full knee extension can place undue stress on other joints and contribute to injury over time.
By catching these issues early in a low-impact environment like walking, athletes can make significant improvements that will carry over to high-intensity activities.
Final Thoughts: Walking Gait is the Missing Piece of the Puzzle
Walking gait might seem like a small piece of the athletic performance puzzle, but it’s actually one of the most critical elements to get right if you want to prevent injuries and unlock the next level of performance. Whether you’re an athlete or coach, a walking gait analysis could be the key to a healthier, more successful athletic career.
Want to learn more about walking gait analysis? Check out our Level 1 Certified Walking Gait Analyst course to accelerate your expertise in analyzing walking gait!
To hear more from Doug, check out the RunDNA Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
