Warren’s Health and Wellness Center analyzes running gait

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stacy Foster
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Running is a part of every Air Force member's life. Whether they are a seasoned marathon runner, or training for their AF physical training assessment, running effectively and efficiently can give the edge needed to improve race and test times. Fortunately for Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren AFB, the Health and Wellness Center can assist with both.

By simply making an appointment with the HAWC, anyone can begin the road to successful running by getting a gait analysis, which assesses a person's walking or running style, including stride style and length, pronation, balance and posture.

"The process takes around 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish," said Allison Morrell, HAWC exercise physiologist. "We analyze everything from the type of shoe the runner is wearing, foot strike patterns, muscle balance and more."

Morrell said the process usually begins with asking the reason why the individual is interested in gait analysis. While the most common reason is running-related injuries such as shin splints, some just come in to see how they can be more effective runners.

Tech. Sgt. Micki Hinnershitz, 90th Medical Operations Squadron, is currently training for the AF Half-Marathon and recently participated in a gait analysis after sustaining a hip injury during a recent deployment.

"I just wanted to see how my injury was affecting my run," Hinnershitz said. "The analysis will help me determine if there's anything I need to work on or adjust."

According to Morrell, participants can quickly learn some valuable tips on how to improve.

"In the first few minutes, I'll look at the wear patterns of their shoes, have them walk without shoes, and from there, I am able to analyze what the foot is doing," she said.

Participants in the gait analysis then run on a treadmill while being videotaped to gain a better understanding of how their body responds upon impact with the ground.

Morrell plays back the video at slow speed to observe foot motion, hip motion, arm swing and overall form. From the analysis, shoe recommendations are given along with exercises, if needed, to improve any dysfunction that might be identified.

Additionally, the HAWC is making improvements to the process by analyzing individuals before they step foot on a treadmill. Soon, they will observe how an individual performs different leg exercises such as overhead and one-legged squats.

"This will allow us to see any muscle imbalance and prescribe an exercise routine, if needed, to participants," Morrell said. "Some muscles might be more dominate that shouldn't be and vice versa."

For more information on gait analysis, contact the HAWC at 773-4292.