How Run3D and Walk3D can help people lead active lives
We all have our own way of moving. Some people take long, confident strides, while others take shorter steps. Some runners seem to glide effortlessly, while others appear to work much harder with every stride.
But what can the way we walk or run actually tell us about how our bodies are functioning? At Feet & Motion, we’re using advanced three-dimensional movement analysis to explore that question in greater detail than ever before.
What is gait analysis?
“Gait” simply means the way we walk or run. Gait analysis is the process of examining that movement to understand how different parts of the body work together. When we walk or run, our feet, ankles, knees, hips, and pelvis
are all moving simultaneously. Some movements are obvious, while others happen very quickly or are so subtle that they’re difficult to judge accurately just by watching. Traditionally, gait assessment has relied on clinical observation, sometimes supported by video recordings. These remain useful tools, but have limitations. A video cannot always tell us precisely how much a joint is moving or how movements relate to one another. This is where three-dimensional analysis offers something different.‘3D gait analysis helps us make more informed decisions about treatment, rehabilitation and managing future activity.’
Why do three dimensions make a difference?
Human movement doesn’t happen in just one direction. Our joints bend and straighten, move from side to side, and rotate. These movements happen together, often within fractions of a second. At Feet & Motion, our new Run3D and Walk3D systems use motion-capture technology to measure movement in all three dimensions.
Small reflective markers are positioned on specific points of the body, while specialist cameras track their movement as someone walks or runs on a treadmill. The system uses this information to create a three-dimensional model, allowing us to measure how individual joints move throughout each stride. Rather than simply observing that someone’s knee appears to move inwards, for example, we can quantify that movement and examine what is happening at the hip, knee, and ankle at the same time. We can also identify differences between the left and right sides of the body, examine areas where there may be more or less movement than expected, and compare measurements with reference data collected from people without injuries.
Importantly, these comparisons don’t establish whether someone is moving “correctly” or “incorrectly”. Human movement is naturally varied, and a difference from reference values doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. What the technology provides is objective, measurable information about how an individual moves, and because measurements can be repeated, provide a useful baseline against which to evaluate rehabilitation.What can your gait tell us?
It’s not just for runners
It’s easy to associate gait analysis with elite athletes, marathon runners, or people looking to improve their performance. But walking is something most of us do every day, and understanding how we move can be just as relevant to someone who has never run.
Persistent foot, ankle, knee, or hip pain can make everyday activities difficult. Walking the dog, keeping up with grandchildren, or simply getting around comfortably can become challenging. Walk3D allows us to apply the same principles, helping us investigate movement patterns that may be relevant to these difficulties.
For runners, the technology can also be useful when investigating recurring injuries, returning to training, or exploring changes in technique.
Ultimately, gait analysis isn’t about finding a perfect way to walk or run. It’s about understanding your movement patterns and using that knowledge to help you achieve your goals. Whether you want to return to running, enjoy longer walks, or move more comfortably, understanding how your body moves can help us make better decisions about your care. And that brings us back to what matters most: helping you keep doing the things you love.