Gait Analysis at UF

Judy Krodel

Gait analysis is the systematic study of animal locomotion, more specifically the study of human motion, using the eye and the brain of observers, augmented by instrumentation for measuring body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles.^[1] Gait analysis is used to assess, plan, and treat individuals with conditions affecting their ability to walk. It is also commonly used in sports biomechanics to help athletes run more efficiently and to identify posture-related or movement-related problems in people with injuries.

The study encompasses quantification, (i.e. introduction and analysis of measurable parameters of gaits), as well as interpretation, i.e. drawing various conclusions about the animal (health, age, size, weight, speed etc.) from its gait pattern.

Seven years ago, I had a bicycle accident and tore my meniscus. I had surgery which left me with bone on bone in my left knee. I have continued to run even though my gait has changed to compensate for the pain. I have used different braces and finally did synvisc shots in the knee. These shots help but I still rely on my “good leg” to do most of the work. After competing in the Ironman Florida in November 2013, I was training for the Dopey. I pulled my hamstring on my good leg. I finished the Dopey race in a lot of pain.  I read in Runner’s World about a girl who pulled her hamstring and went to a Gait Analysis Clinic in New  York. I looked up Gait Analysis in Florida and found the one at UF. I knew I couldn’t keep running like that    so I contacted UF’s Gait Analysis Clinic. I was desperate to get any help I could in order to keep running.

I called the Clinic and they got me in within a week. I arrived in running gear and brought all the running shoes I owned. They put a bunch of nodules all over my body and had me run for about 15 minutes on the treadmill. They have cameras taking video at all angles and a geometric runner who shows up on  the computer running with your gait. They analyzed my foot strike, cadence, arm movements, back position, hip movements. After running, I sat down with them and they showed me the video so I could see how I ran. They told me the type of shoe I should be wearing. They told me how to correct my cadence, arm swing,   and other things. They gave me exercises to correct my terrible gait. They told me that they had people 10 times worse than me who continued to run. It gave me hope.

There is no ideal stride, each of us have some deficiencies that we may not know. This Clinic helps to shed a light on what might help someone to run more efficiently. It isn’t easy to retrain your gait. I have to really focus on good form and stop running if I lose that form. Until it becomes my new habit, I will have to work at it.  It is the first time in years I have actually run pain free. The benefit of this Gait Analysis was tremendous for me. If you are having trouble with your running or just want to improve it, I encourage you to go to UF. The cost is $200 and is usually not covered by insurance. To me, it was worth every penny. Dr. Heather Vincent is very encouraging and really wants to get people back to doing what they love…running. Her husband is an Orthopedic Doctor for the Running Clinic also and was so enthusiastic. I cannot say enough good things about my   experience.

You can reach Dr. Heather Vincent at:       352-273-7459

www.ufsportsperformance.com

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Boston Strong • Locals Proud

The Boston Marathon champion crossed the finish line wearing sneakers from Skechers, not exactly a brand associated with sports.  Boston was a marathon within a marathon for one older runnerl. She stepped off from Hopkinton at 11 in the morning and crossed the finish line at 7:30 at night. And even  though she was the last regular runner to finish, she was ecstatic.  When she finally realized her goal, it  was the cleanup crews that were there to greet her.  There was at least one runner who came in after her.  Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray always runs the course after the official race is complete. He crossed the finish line at 10 p.m.

And somewhere in between those three runner’s, ten locals all have their stories to tell.   Jim Musante, Cler Hudgins, David Mays, Sheila Nicholas, Henry Malachi, Kathleen Doughney, Joseph Snowden, Sylvia Morgese, James Harris, and Doug Childress have memories to share.   At least 5,000 runners who were not able to finish the race last year went back more determined than ever to finish this year.  And they did!  It was unfinished business. 

Congratulations to all of you.  You have made us all proud!

Summer is not here yet!

Grace & Peter Rowe at Spring Lake, NJ

March 2014

On the Jersey Shore!