Gait Analysis meets Functional Screening

Friday, April 07, 2017 · Mike Davis

Good morning

Yesterday, I spent 2 hours with my teacher in my Exercise Science and Injury & Prevention class doing a functional screening assessment and it was quite informative. I suggested that we view my gait analysis before we started, so she could have that picture to hopefully tie in with the functional screening. While my running form was not good (I knew that), she was quite impressed with NFLR’s professional gait analysis program. We discussed my gait thoroughly and she mentioned that she had used other gait analysis programs but had never utilized one this comprehensive. She was also kind of impressed with my analytic skills!

As I said, my running gait (form), was not very good and Ms. Basinger quickly noted several flaws. Some of the flaws I knew, but she noted multiple issues about which I was not aware. Because of her sports training background as well as an in-depth background in exercise movement, she could quickly note small details that most would not. While we at NFLR can view a gait analysis video and quickly pick up on running form flaws, we are not trained physical therapists or athletic trainers, so we have to turn to such professionals to give an analysis from a biomechanics prospective. In fact, Carrie Jose, our partner with at C&J Physical Therapy in Portsmouth, is in Boston this weekend for additional training on gait analysis. I am excited to combine our knowledge and system with her medically trained expertise to help runners become more efficient and stay healthy.

My assessment was thorough and it exposed weaknesses both muscular and flexibility wise that directly correlate to my running flaws. Now, I will have some clear direction that I can follow and if I am successful, my next running gait analysis will reflect the improvements. One flaw was the lack of flexibility in my ankles and while this was not a surprise, we were able to hone in on what this lack of flexibility was effecting.

The importance of understanding the effects of a flaw (weakness) is just as important as identifying it. That is why a functional screening is so important along with the gait analysis. By the fall, I will hopefully be certified as an American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal fitness trainer and this will allow me to conduct functional screening assessments along with the gait analysis. Between the certification, my college studies, and our partnership with Carrie, NFLR will be at the forefront of helping runners, both functionally and physically. Really cool stuff and super exciting!

Time to get out of here. Have a great Friday and a super weekend!

God Bless!