Gait And Running Analysis

Gait and Running Analysis

Running Gait Analysis and Retraining in NYC

Gait analysis has been a standard procedure in the research world for decades, but it is only now making its way into the clinical world. One obstacle has been the expense of gait analysis technology that has placed it beyond the reach of many podiatrists and therapists, who have had to rely on simple video as their primary gait analysis tool.

A full gait analysis involves a complex assessment of factors that may not be revealed in a simple recorded video. While a video may expose biomechanical faults, they are frequently compensations, and not the underlying cause of dysfunction. In order to conduct a full-spectrum gait analysis, highly specialized equipment using cutting edge technology and clinical expertise are needed.

Gait or running analysis may be called for in cases of foot, ankle, knee, hip and low back pain, all of which affect walking and running. Runners with those symptoms are considered primary candidates for gait evaluation.

Impaired walking frequently involves more than one joint, and gait analysis enables us to observe the interrelationship between vertical locomotion and the kinematic chain. Gait analysis can measure and quantify functional limitations, impaired movement and disability.

At NYDNRehab, we use the Zebris instrumented treadmill and the Simi motion computerized gait analysis system. We obtain kinetic, kinematic and pressure data as well as surface electromyography data.

We also use a new and advanced technology called C.A.R.E.N (computer assisted rehabilitation environment) to assess balance and stability during locomotion.

How Can Gait Analysis Help?

Data obtained from computerized gait analysis enables the clinician to see movement deviations that are invisible to the naked eye during clinical examination. Gait analysis data allows clinicians to distinguish compensation from the root cause of dysfunction, enabling them to design treatment interventions that target the cause, rather than the symptoms.

Patients often develop pain at the site of compensation because of a particular mechanical or neuromuscular deficiency. Gait analysis can help identify biomechanical faults, running style errors, and training mistakes, giving the clinician a point of reference from which to design treatment strategies.

Running gait analysis is very important for injury prevention, as it can provide the runner with a clear picture of mechanical errors in their performance. Computerized running analysis allows the runner to identify deficient strike patterns, helping rearfoot strikers to transition to midfoot or forefoot running. Gait analysis also provides information on how to improve running style, eliminating guesswork as to whether a new style of training is actually useful, or if the runner is just replacing the old pattern with a new dysfunctional pattern.

Common biomechanical faults, neuromuscular dysfunctions and other problems illuminated by running gait analysis include:

  • Inadequate hip extension
  • Decreased foot rocking
  • Compensatory adaptations
  • Weak or tight muscles
  • Crossover gait
  • Pelvic drop
  • Dynamic valgus or varum
  • Excessive foot pronation or inadequate supination during push-off
  • Overstriding
  • Improper spatio-temporal parameters
  • Poor shoe matching to the runner’s foot type or running technique
  • Mistakes in running style, training and transition to midfoot / forefoot strike
  • Too fast transition to minimalist running
  • Poor proprioception
  • Asymmetrical weight bearing
  • Poor balance
  • Limited skill

At NYDNRehab in NYC, we provide complete running and walking gait analysis using the latest and most sophisticated technology for testing and retraining. For competitive runners, we provide additional testing using our return-to-sports and C.A.R.E.N technologies.

We also provide shoe and running style counseling, rehab and injury prevention counseling, and orthotic prescription. We use foot pressure mapping analysis to track spatio-temporal parameters of cadence and stride length, foot rotation angles and excessive pressure points. We incorporate Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy and eccentric muscle training, along with manual therapy and gait retraining.

The running gait analysis program at NYDNRehab is considered to be one of the most complete programs for runners in the US, combining the latest technology with education from leading experts in running and sports medicine.

Whether you are having difficulty walking, experiencing pain while running recreationally, or you are a competitive runner looking to improve your performance, gait analysis and retraining can get to the root of your pain and dysfunction, and restore you to pain-free mechanical efficiency. Do not allow pain to keep you from walking and running. Contact NYDNRehab today to schedule your gait analysis session, and get back to doing the activities you love, pain-free.

Should You Invest In A Gait Analysis?

Testimonials

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Ibra morales thirty time nyc marathon participant

Dr. Kalika, I just want to thank you and your incredible team for helping me recover and run the NYC marathon for the 30th time this coming Nov. 7th. As you can see in the attached poster, the NYRRC had selected me as one of the runners in this year’s marketing campaign. When I got injured in June and visited various Dr. with no improvement , I was referred to you. When I came in, I could hardly walk, never mind running. Now I’m ready to tackle the NYC marathon for the 30th time! Thanks to Nick, Gregg, Sunny and Anna!! Your team is great and thanks to “your incredible personal attention” to my injuries! I’m ready!!

Reactive Neuromuscular Training on Kineo

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Kineo – the most versatile muscle testing using artificial intelegence
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Kineo – the most versatile muscle testing using artificial intelegence
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Kineo – the most versatile muscle testing using artificial intelegence
doctor

Dr. Kalika’s experience comes from working with Prof. Pavel Kolar the renowned Czech School of Rehabilitation as well as Prof. Christopher Powers who is one of the worlds leader in treatment and prevention of running injuries. Another unique approach that Dr.Kalika is certified in is ISM (integrated system model) therapy.This approach is now used by most elite EPL soccer teams (Manchester city and Chelsea) to keep their players away from injuries as well as for in season rehabilitation. Dr. Kalika has knowledge not only in several different types of therapy he also has expertise with diagnostic ultrasound, gait and running analysis, orthopedics, and sports medicine. The combination of all these different experiences helps him correctly diagnose and rehabilitate athletes better than most clinics in NYC. Dr. Kalika has also studied under top leading running authorities like Brian Hidershide and Irene Davis. These experiences and extra training has given Dr. Kalika the unique expertise in running performance.

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Despite 10 years of experience with instrumented gait analysis, attending multiple running medicine conferences, certification in clinical biomechanics, and personal experience with Chris Powers, I decided to undertake this additional certification to ensure that no single detail concerning the assessment and treatment of running injuries escapes me.

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In this instance, an athlete was originally diagnosed with minor quadriceps muscle strain and was treated for four weeks, with unsatisfactory results. When he came to our clinic, the muscle was not healing, and the patients’ muscle tissue had already begun to atrophy.

Upon examination using MSUS, we discovered that he had a full muscle thickness tear that had been overlooked by his previous provider. To mitigate damage and promote healing, surgery should have been performed immediately after the injury occurred. Because of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the patient now has permanent damage that cannot be corrected.

The most important advantage of Ultrasound over MRI imaging is its ability to zero in on the symptomatic region and obtain imaging, with active participation and feedback from the patient. Using dynamic MSUS, we can see what happens when patients contract their muscles, something that cannot be done with MRI. From a diagnostic perspective, this interaction is invaluable.

Dynamic ultrasonography examination demonstrating
the full thickness tear and already occurring muscle atrophy
due to misdiagnosis and not referring the patient
to proper diagnostic workup

Demonstration of how very small muscle defect is made and revealed
to be a complete tear with muscle contraction
under diagnostic sonography (not possible with MRI)

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Complete tear of rectus femoris
with large hematoma (blood)

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Separation of muscle ends due to tear elicited
on dynamic sonography examination

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