Running Gait Analysis: What It Is and Why Every Runner Needs It

Running looks simple — one foot in front of the other. But the mechanics of how your foot strikes the ground, how your hip extends, and how your trunk stays stable all interact in ways that either protect or stress your joints. Gait analysis brings those interactions into view.

What Does a Gait Assessment Measure?

At Stance, we use RunScribe — a dual sensor system that attaches to your shoes and captures over 25 metrics per step. Key parameters include ground contact time, foot strike pattern, pronation excursion and velocity, braking G-force, and step rate (cadence). These metrics paint a detailed picture of where your body is absorbing excess load.

Common Patterns We Find

• —Overstriding — landing too far ahead of the centre of mass, increasing braking force and knee stress
• —Excessive pronation — medial collapse at the ankle that often contributes to plantar fasciitis and tibial stress reactions
• —Reduced cadence — slower step rates correlate with longer ground contact and higher impact loads
• —Hip drop — insufficient glute medius activation causing lateral knee and IT band stress
• —Trunk lean — excessive forward or lateral lean indicating core or hip weakness

How Findings Translate to Training Changes

A gait report without a corrective plan is just data. Our physios translate each finding into specific cues, drills, and strength targets. A runner with a low cadence might start with a simple metronome cue to increase step rate by 5–10%, which research shows can reduce knee loading by up to 20%.

Who Should Get a Gait Analysis?

Any runner with a recurring injury, anyone preparing for a half or full marathon, and any runner who simply wants to move more efficiently. You don't need to be symptomatic — prevention is always more efficient than treatment.