Why How You Run Matters
Most runners focus on how far or how fast they can run. However, a more effective approach can be to focus on running efficiently. Improving efficiency not only helps you run further or faster, but also helps reduce the risk of injury. Research shows that biomechanical and training-related factors play a significant role in running-related injuries. (Willwacher et al., 2022)
You’ve probably heard of a running gait analysis — but few runners actually opt in. Why? Maybe a lack of knowledge about what it entails, fear of being told “you’re running wrong,” or simply wanting to keep their routine fun rather than formal. By the end of this article you’ll see that a running gait analysis isn’t a “check your running style” lecture — it’s a tool that reveals small nuances in your running, gives you actionable insights to improve efficiency, and may even help you reach that elusive performance goal.
When you go through this process with a physiotherapist, you’re engaging with someone who is clinically trained. That means using current evidence and research to guide your running, using data collected in the session to create personalised recommendations, and applying knowledge around injury, biomechanics and movement to give you a holistic improvement plan.
What is a Running Gait Analysis?
A gait analysis is a detailed assessment of your running pattern — looking at the multiple phases of running and identifying whether your pattern is optimal or whether small inefficiencies exist. For example, your physiotherapist may observe: foot position relative to the centre of mass at first contact, when the heel lifts off the ground, how narrow or wide your stride is, whether there is asymmetry between left and right sides, and other factors. (Tripodi, 2024)
In our clinic the running portion is typically done on a treadmill while we use video analysis (with biomarkers) to enhance the process. We also gather additional data from functional movement assessments, handheld dynamometer strength tests, runner-specific flexibility testing, and power / jumping metrics via force decks. The aim is to collect as much relevant information as possible around the metrics that impact running — then use that to adapt and improve those factors, retest later, reduce injury risk and enhance performance.
Why See a Physiotherapist for a Gait Analysis?
You may have encountered treadmill running assessments at running stores, sometimes with video or shoe-type testing — but that’s where similarities largely stop. A physiotherapist-led running gait assessment includes:
- A full history of your running (training load, past injuries)
- Flexibility and strength testing using handheld dynamometers
- Jumping/power output measurement using ForceDecks
- Functional movement screening
- Video gait analysis (treadmill + biomarker software)
- Overall summary and a customised plan for your next steps
This approach allows a clinician not only to identify mechanical or efficiency issues, but also to link them to injury risk, muscle weaknesses or imbalances — something a shoe-store gait check cannot typically do. (Barrett et al., 2023)
Common running issues revealed by gait analysis
A running gait assessment can highlight subtle inefficiencies and musculoskeletal issues that often go unnoticed but can significantly impact performance or injury risk. By identifying these factors early, physiotherapists can develop targeted interventions to correct movement patterns and optimise running mechanics (Lopes, Mascarinas & Hespanhol Júnior, 2023).
Some of the most frequent findings include:
- Reduced cadence – often linked to overstriding, decreased energy absorption, lower efficiency, and a greater likelihood of injury (Evans, Moffit, Mitchell & Pamukoff, 2023).
- Postural imbalances or limb asymmetries – where one side of the body loads or moves differently to the other, influencing stride efficiency and injury risk.
- Strength discrepancies – such as weak gluteal or calf muscles that can reduce propulsion, alter running mechanics, or cause compensatory movement patterns.
- Poor pelvic or trunk control – especially under fatigue, which can lead to instability and changes in form that compound over longer distances.
By addressing these underlying issues, gait analysis allows runners to improve efficiency, reduce discomfort, and build resilience against future injuries.
What to expect during a running gait analysis
A physiotherapist-led running gait analysis gives you a detailed, evidence-based look at how your body moves when you run. The session begins with a short discussion about your running history, goals, and any injuries, followed by tests of flexibility, strength (using handheld dynamometer and forcedecks from VALD), and movement to identify key imbalances or weaknesses.
You’ll then complete a treadmill run while being recorded with high-speed video and biomarker software. Your physiotherapist reviews this data with you to explain what’s happening at each stage of your stride, before creating a clear, individualised plan to improve running efficiency, performance, and injury prevention.
In summary, you can expect:
- Discussion of running history, injuries, and goals
- Strength and flexibility testing
- Treadmill run with video gait analysis
- Review of movement data and feedback
- Personalised plan and recommendations for next steps
How Physiotherapists Use Gait Analysis to Improve Your Running
Using the detailed movement and strength data collected during your assessment, physiotherapists can precisely identify what’s limiting your performance or contributing to injury. They design tailored programs to correct weaknesses, improve biomechanics, increase load tolerance, and enhance overall running economy (Van Hooren et al., 2024).
A physiotherapist-led plan helps you to:
- Manage current or previous injuries effectively
- Return safely to your baseline performance
- Progress beyond your previous level toward your next running goal
Who Benefits Most from Gait Analysis?
Almost every runner can gain something from a professional gait analysis — whether it’s recovering from injury, preventing future issues, or improving performance and efficiency.
It’s particularly valuable for:
- Runners recovering from or managing injuries
- Those with recurring problems such as shin splints, ITB syndrome, or plantar fasciitis
- Athletes aiming to enhance speed, endurance, or efficiency
- Beginners wanting to establish strong, injury-resistant running mechanics
Preventing injuries before they start
Perhaps the most valuable outcome of a gait analysis is risk reduction. While no one can guarantee you’ll never have a running injury, you can mitigate the risk by running stronger, more stable, more efficiently and more consistently. Improving strength, flexibility, motor control and biomechanics are key. (Tripodi, 2024)
Takeaway: Run smarter, not harder
Running well isn’t just about mileage, it’s about movement. A physiotherapist-led running gait analysis gives you insight into how you run, not just how far you run. When you understand your body’s unique movement patterns, you can run farther, faster, and most importantly without pain.
Written by Stuart Williams | Vestibular Analysis | Running Analysis
References
- Barrett, T., Ho, K-Y., Rasavage, J., Wilson, M. & Goo-Tam, M. (2023) ‘Implementation of 2D running gait analysis in orthopedic physical therapy clinics’, International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 18(3), pp. 606-618. doi:10.26603/001c.74726.
- Evans, R.J., Moffit, T.J., Mitchell, P.K. & Pamukoff, D.N. (2023) ‘Injury and performance related biomechanical differences between recreational and collegiate runners’, Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5: 1268292. doi:10.3389/fspor.2023.1268292. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2023.1268292/full (Accessed: 13 November 2025).
- Lopes, A.D., Mascarinas, A. & Hespanhol Júnior, L.C. (2023) ‘Are alterations in running biomechanics associated with running injuries? A systematic review with meta-analysis’, Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 27(4), 100538. doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100538. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10480598/ (Accessed: 13 November 2025).
- Tripodi, N. (2024) ‘Introduction to running analysis in the clinical setting’, Physiotherapy in Sport, 60, pp. 45-53. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.30042.
- Van Hooren, B., Jukic, I., Cox, M., Frenken, K.G., Bautista, I. & Moore, I.S. (2024) ‘The relationship between running biomechanics and running economy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies’, Sports Medicine, 54, pp. 1269-1316. doi:10.1007/s40279-024-01997-3.
- Willwacher, S., Becker, J., Bruhn, S. & Sterzing, T. (2022) ‘Running-related biomechanical risk factors for overuse injuries: A systematic review’, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(1), pp. 17-30. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2021-0033.