Our Run 3D Gait Analysis service provides an in-depth, objective assessment of running biomechanics using advanced three-dimensional motion-capture technology. Designed specifically for runners of all levels, this service allows us to accurately quantify how the foot, ankle, knee, hip & pelvis move throughout the running gait cycle. By capturing movement in three planes, we are able to identify inefficiencies, asymmetries & excessive joint loading that are commonly linked to injury risk, reduced running economy or recurrent breakdown during training.
The assessment involves high-speed cameras & reflective markers to record running mechanics in real time, typically performed on a treadmill under controlled conditions. We analyse key variables including stride length & cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, joint range of motion, limb symmetry & timing of propulsion. Particular attention is given to how loads are absorbed at initial contact & transferred through the lower limb during stance & toe-off, providing valuable insight into tissue loading patterns that cannot be identified through visual observation alone.
Footwear is a powerful external influence on running mechanics & plays a key role in how load is absorbed & transferred during running. As part of our Run 3D Gait Analysis, we include a detailed Running Footwear Assessment to evaluate whether your current shoes are supporting your biomechanics or contributing to unnecessary stress. This ensures gait findings are interpreted in the context of the footwear you train & compete in, rather than in isolation.
In addition, runners have the option to include VALD Strength Screening as part of their Run 3D Gait Analysis for a more complete performance & injury-risk profile. VALD testing provides objective, run-specific measures of lower-limb strength, power & side-to-side asymmetry at the ankle, knee & hip, areas critical for effective force production & load control during running. This allows us to identify capacity deficits that may not be visible through gait analysis alone but significantly influence tissue loading & injury risk.
When combined with Run 3D Gait Analysis, VALD data helps link how you run with what your body is capable of tolerating. Strength & power findings are used to refine rehabilitation strategies, guide return-to-run progressions & inform performance-focused training decisions. The data also provides a clear baseline for re-testing, ensuring improvements in strength & movement efficiency are objectively measured over time.
3D Gait Analysis can help with
- Identifying the root causes of running injuries, helping explain why pain keeps recurring despite rest, rehabilitation or changes in training
- Detecting inefficiencies & asymmetries in running mechanics that increase load on specific tissues over time
- Understanding how forces are absorbed & transferred through the foot, ankle, knee & hip during the running gait cycle
- Guiding targeted rehabilitation & strength programmes based on objective movement & loading data
- Informing personalised running footwear & orthotic decisions to better support individual biomechanics & load management
- Supporting return-to-run planning & performance optimisation, with objective data to guide progression & reduce re-injury risk
3D Kinematics & Load Analysis
3D Kinematics & Load Analysis
3D Kinematics & Load Analysis
- Three-dimensional joint motion at the ankle, knee, hip & pelvis, identifying excessive or restricted movement that may increase tissue stress
- Stride characteristics, including cadence, stride length & left–right symmetry, which influence efficiency & cumulative load
- Ground contact time & vertical oscillation, providing insight into impact management, stiffness & running economy
- Timing & quality of propulsion assessing how effectively force is generated & transferred forward
- Asymmetries in movement & loading, commonly associated with recurrent injury & reduced performance
Running Footwear Assessment
3D Kinematics & Load Analysis
3D Kinematics & Load Analysis
- Evaluates how your running shoes interact with your biomechanics, training demands & injury history
- Assesses whether footwear is supporting efficient load or contributing to overload
- Review midsole foam type, cushioning & stack height & their effect on shock absorption & energy return
- Analyse heel-to-toe drop, rocker geometry, stability bias & midsole stiffness, including carbon-plated designs
- Examine wear patterns & midsole compression to identify mechanical inefficiencies & guide personalised footwear recommendations
Interpretation & Report
3D Kinematics & Load Analysis
Interpretation & Report
- A clear visual explanation of your running mechanics
- Insight into how your movement patterns affect injury risk & efficiency
- Running technique cues tailored to your natural movement
- Shoe recommendations matched to your individual biomechanics & goals
- Return to run plan designed specifically around your biomechanics & load
- Integration with orthotic or rehabilitation plans if needed
VALD Screening (Optional)
Objective, run-specific insight into lower-limb strength, power & asymmetry directly influences running performance & injury risk. Using technology trusted by elite sport, we quantify how effectively runners produce, absorb & control force at the ankle, knee & hip during key movements relevant to running. This allows us to identify strength deficits, side-to-side imbalances & reduced load tolerance that commonly underpin recurrent running injuries & performance plateaus.
VALD data is interpreted alongside Run 3D Gait Analysis to build a complete runner profile. By linking how a runner moves with what their body is capable of tolerating, we can more accurately identify the drivers of inefficient mechanics or excessive tissue stress. Findings are translated into clear, actionable recommendations that guide targeted strength & conditioning, rehabilitation progressions and return-to-run decisions.
The objective nature of VALD testing also allows progress to be tracked over time. Re-testing provides measurable feedback on improvements in strength, power & symmetry, ensuring rehabilitation & training interventions are working as intended. This data-led approach supports confident progression back to full training & competition, while reducing the risk of re-injury through evidence-based load management.
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 & improving efficiency
Outcome: safer progression, fewer early setbacks & a clearer route into running.
Recreational & Fitness Runners
Recreational & Fitness Runners
Recreational & Fitness Runners
Many recreational runners juggle training with work, family & lifestyle demands, making efficiency & 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 & fewer interruptions.
Club Runners & Competitive Athletes
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Experienced runners often chase marginal gains & rely heavily on technical efficiency. For this group, gait analysis helps:
- Improve cadence, stride mechanics & propulsion
- Reduce unnecessary vertical oscillation & braking forces
- Optimise foot strike & midfoot loading for improved economy
- Enhance left–right symmetry for greater speed & durability
- Guide safe use of performance footwear (e.g., carbon-plated shoes)
- Support higher training loads during marathon or race preparation
Outcome: improved running economy, greater speed, reduced effort & enhanced performance.
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Marathon, Ultra & Endurance Athletes
Long-distance athletes face unique biomechanical & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & adherence. We will outline milestones & re-test dates.
Can I bring previous scans or reports?
Absolutely. They help us integrate your history & 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 & shorts/clothing that allow clear viewing of your lower limb.
