3D gait analysis provides a highly detailed and objective assessment of how your body moves throughout the entire running gait cycle. Using high-speed cameras and advanced motion-capture technology, it quantifies joint angles, velocities and timing at the foot, ankle, knee, hip and pelvis across all three planes of motion. This allows us to analyse stride length, cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, step width, limb symmetry and the sequencing of joint motion during loading, mid-stance and propulsion. Subtle movement patterns such as over-striding, delayed or early heel lift, excessive frontal or transverse plane motion, and reduced hip or ankle contribution can be identified with precision. These factors are closely linked to running economy, tissue loading and injury risk, yet are often difficult or impossible to accurately detect through visual assessment alone.
integrated OnTracx load monitoring focuses on the mechanical demands placed on your body during running. Using wearable sensor technology, it captures real-time data on impact forces, loading rates and cumulative load exposure across a run or training session. This allows us to see not just how much load is experienced with each step, but how load changes with speed, terrain, fatigue, running form or footwear. Importantly, it helps identify sharp spikes in loading, inefficient shock attenuation or sustained high loads that may exceed tissue capacity over time. This information provides critical insight into why symptoms may develop despite “normal-looking” technique, and allows us to objectively monitor how training progression or footwear changes influence tissue stress.
3D gait analysis and OnTracx load monitoring link how you move with how much load your body is absorbing. For example, an over-stride pattern, excessive braking forces or reduced ankle motion identified on 3D analysis can be directly associated with higher impact loads or loading rates recorded by OnTracx. This integrated approach allows us to identify the true mechanical drivers behind injury, fatigue or recurrent breakdown, rather than relying on symptoms alone. It also provides a clear framework for targeted technique modification, footwear or orthotic decisions, and evidence-based return-to-run planning, ensuring load progression is matched to both movement quality and tissue tolerance.
For a more complete and clinically meaningful picture, 3D gait analysis can be combined with our Sport and MSK assessment. The musculoskeletal examination allows objective gait and load data to be interpreted within the context of joint mobility, strength, tissue capacity, injury history and current symptoms. This integration helps distinguish whether abnormal loading patterns are driven by movement strategy, underlying strength or mobility restrictions, or local tissue intolerance. By linking clinical findings with precise biomechanical and load data, we can deliver more accurate diagnoses, targeted rehabilitation and footwear or orthotic interventions, and safer return-to-run strategies that address both the mechanical and biological drivers of pain and performance limitation.
- Minimise the risk of injury by identifying risk factors that contribute to injury and reduced running performance
- Detect inefficiencies and asymmetries in running mechanics that increase load on specific tissues over time
- Understand how loads are absorbed and transferred through the foot, ankle, knee and hip during the running gait cycle
- Guide targeted rehabilitation and strength programmes based on objective movement and loading data
- Inform personalised running shoe and orthotic decisions to better support individual biomechanics and load management
- Support return-to-run planning and performance optimisation, with objective data to guide progression and reduce re-injury risk
- Monitor progress over time, using repeat testing to confirm improvements in movement efficiency, load tolerance and readiness to return to full training
- Provide clear, evidence-based education to help runners understand their movement patterns and make confident training decisions
Interpretation and report
As part of your 3D Gait Analysis, all data collected from is brought together into a clear, easy-to-understand report that explains how you run and why certain stresses may be occurring. We provide a visual breakdown of your running mechanics, highlighting key movement patterns at the foot, ankle, knee, hip and pelvis, alongside objective measures of symmetry, timing and loading. This allows you to see how your individual mechanics influence both efficiency and injury risk, rather than relying on generic running advice.
Where appropriate, we provide targeted technique cues that work with your natural movement patterns rather than forcing artificial changes. Footwear recommendations are matched to your biomechanics, strength profile and running goals, helping to optimise load distribution, reduce excessive stress and support performance. If you are returning from injury, the findings are used to design a structured, data-led return-to-run plan that aligns training progression with your current tissue capacity.
Where additional support is required, the report seamlessly integrates with orthotic prescription or rehabilitation programmes. This ensures footwear, foot orthoses and strength or conditioning work are not used in isolation but are guided by objective findings. The result is a joined-up, evidence-based approach that reduces guesswork, improves confidence in decision-making and supports long-term running performance and resilience.
Benefits of RUN 3D Gait Analysis for Runners
Beginner Runners
Recreational & Fitness Runners
Recreational & Fitness Runners
Beginners often develop technique issues early because they lack awareness of how their body handles running load. This assessment helps them:
- Establish safe, efficient habits early
- Reduce risk of common injuries (shin pain, knee pain, foot soreness)
- Learn which shoes genuinely suit their natural mechanics
- Build confidence by understanding how their body moves
- Improve enjoyment by reducing discomfort and improving efficiency
Outcome: safer progression, fewer early setbacks and a clearer route into running.
Recreational & Fitness Runners
Recreational & Fitness Runners
Recreational & Fitness Runners
Many recreational runners juggle training with work, family and lifestyle demands, making efficiency and injury prevention crucial. This assessment helps them:
- Identify gait patterns contributing to recurring or lingering niggles
- Reduce load on vulnerable tissues like knees, shins or Achilles
- Improve consistency by avoiding repeated injury cycles
- Understand how footwear rotation can support training volume
- Improve comfort over longer distances or higher weekly mileage
Outcome: more consistent training, faster recovery and fewer interruptions.
Club Runners & Competitive Athletes
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Experienced runners often chase marginal gains and rely heavily on technical efficiency. For this group, gait analysis helps:
- Improve cadence, stride mechanics and propulsion
- Reduce unnecessary vertical oscillation and braking forces
- Optimise foot strike and midfoot loading for improved economy
- Enhance left–right symmetry for greater speed and durability
- Guide safe use of performance shoes (e.g., carbon-plated shoes)
- Support higher training loads during marathon or race preparation
Outcome: improved running economy, greater speed, reduced effort and enhanced performance.
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Long-distance athletes face unique biomechanical and load demands. Gait analysis helps them:
- Improve movement efficiency to reduce fatigue over long durations
- Identify technique breakdown that occurs at higher mileage
- Enhance propulsion mechanics for sustained pace
- Manage accumulative stress on tendons and joints
- Optimise footwear strategy for long training blocks
- Reduce risk of overuse injuries across peak volume weeks
Outcome: more resilient biomechanics, better long-run comfort and improved race-day performance.
FAQs
Do I need to be an athlete?
No. We help anyone who wants to recover from injury, move without pain and perform better in daily life or sport.
Do you assess suitability for running shoes? Yes, 3D gait analysis explores shoe categories including cushioned vs stability, carbon-plated racing models, minimalist footwear, providing objective data needed to make the right choices.
How long until I recover from pain or improve performance? Pain often improves within weeks when load drivers are addressed. Performance changes depend on your starting point and adherence. We will outline milestones and re-test dates.
Can I bring previous scans or reports?
Absolutely. They help us integrate your history and focus testing where it matters.
What is your cancellation policy? We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellation or rescheduling. Missed appointments or cancellations received with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full consultation fee.
What should I bring? For any assessment, please bring your primary sports footwear, any relevant custom orthoses and shorts/clothing that allow clear viewing of your lower limb.
