There have been several studies investigating the correlation of gait speed and overall health, including a recent publication in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, which investigated walking speed in older adults. Of the over 5,000 older adults studied, slow walking speed had a considerably greater impact on the incident long-term care needs in these older adults. A Journal of the American Medical Directors Association meta-analysis reviewing 44 studies and 101,945 participants found that slow gait is a predictor for premature mortality, cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Individuals with faster walking speeds exhibited better overall health outcomes and longevity.
Because walking speed is a clear health indicator, individuals can undergo a gait analysis, which can help determine one’s likelihood of injury or if there are underlying biomechanical issues that can be addressed. A gait impacted by biomechanical issues may cause stress in one’s joints, pain, and overuse injuries like tendonitis.
Gait analyses are specialized assessments that evaluate the pattern of walking or running in an individual. It involves observing and analyzing various components of the individual's gait, including stride length, step width, foot placement, and overall movement symmetry.
There are two primary methods of conducting a gait analysis:
Visual Gait Analysis: This involves a trained healthcare professional visually observing the individual walking or running. The observer looks for any irregularities or abnormalities in the individual's gait pattern, such as limping, asymmetry or excessive movement in certain joints. At The Steadman Clinic, orthopaedic physicians and clinical teams will observe patients’ gaits in the clinic setting, as seeing the body in motion provides greater insights than imaging and patient-reported symptoms alone.
Instrumented Gait Analysis: This method utilizes advanced technology, such as motion capture systems or pressure-sensing insoles, to obtain detailed biomechanical data during walking or running. Motion capture systems use markers placed on specific body landmarks to track movement in three dimensions, providing precise measurements of joint angles and movement patterns. Pressure-sensing insoles measure the distribution of pressure under the feet, identifying areas of excessive or uneven pressure during gait. An instrumented gait analysis can be conducted at Steadman Philippon Research Institute’s Biomotion Lab.
Instrumented Gait Analysis: This method utilizes advanced technology, such as motion capture systems or pressure-sensing insoles, to obtain detailed biomechanical data during walking or running. Motion capture systems use markers placed on specific body landmarks to track movement in three dimensions, providing precise measurements of joint angles and movement patterns. Pressure-sensing insoles measure the distribution of pressure under the feet, identifying areas of excessive or uneven pressure during gait. An instrumented gait analysis can be conducted at Steadman Philippon Research Institute’s Biomotion Lab.
Overall, gait analysis plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, optimizing athletic performance and enhancing mobility and quality of life for individuals of all ages.
As walking speed and gait are indicators of health, a gait analysis can be a prescriptive step for individuals; clinicians and therapists can help identify treatment or personalized training plans to improve one’s gait. Mobility is an imperative component to longevity, so focusing on mobility—beginning with one’s gait—is essential for a healthy life.
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