What should you know about functional gait analysis?

A clinician observes posture, foot placement, stride, joint motion, balance, and how the body accepts and produces force. The assessment may compare comfortable walking with faster walking, stairs, a squat, or running when appropriate. Video, markers, pressure measurements, and hands-on examination can add detail, but equipment is only one part of the interpretation.

The goal is to understand function rather than label one movement as universally correct. Findings may point toward footwear changes, exercise, technique adjustments, load management, or further assessment. A scan alone cannot explain every cause of pain.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring the shoes you normally use for the activity being assessed. Describe where symptoms occur, when they start, previous injuries, and changes in training or work. Follow the clinician's instructions during the tasks, and mention if pain, dizziness, or instability appears. Use the results as part of a plan that may include strengthening, balance work, technique practice, or custom orthotics when clinically appropriate.

Pause the assessment and tell the clinician about sharp pain, sudden weakness, loss of balance, numbness, chest discomfort, or unusual breathlessness. Seek prompt medical care for new inability to bear weight, a visibly deformed limb, rapidly increasing swelling, or neurological symptoms rather than trying to walk through them.

Ask which movement is being investigated, what the findings can and cannot show, whether your usual shoes and activity will be assessed, and which change should come first. Clarify how progress will be measured and when the plan should be reviewed if symptoms persist.