What Is Running Gait Analysis?
Running gait analysis is a detailed evaluation of your movement mechanics while running. A physiotherapist assesses your biomechanics, including foot strike, stride length, cadence, and joint alignment, to identify inefficiencies, asymmetries, or compensation patterns that contribute to pain or increase injury risk.
It is commonly sought by runners dealing with recurring injuries such as shin splints, IT band syndrome, runner's knee, or plantar fasciitis. It is equally valuable for runners who feel healthy but want to train more efficiently, increase their mileage, or prepare for an upcoming event.
Gait analysis is not exclusively for runners. Walkers, multidirectional athletes, and anyone recovering from lower body injury or surgery can benefit from a structured movement assessment that identifies how the body is loading and adapting.
How We Approach Running Gait Analysis at Versa Movement Collective
Running gait analysis at Versa is conducted by Evan Baldwin, MScPT, MSc Neuroscience, who brings 17 years of clinical experience and a rare dual-masters background spanning both physiotherapy and neuroscience. That foundation means your assessment goes beyond surface-level observation: Evan evaluates the neuromuscular control patterns and loading strategies driving your movement, informed by how the brain and body coordinate together.
Evan holds certification in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA Level 1) and is a TPI Medical Level 2 provider, meaning his approach to movement analysis is systematic and evidence-based. Each assessment uses video capture to document your gait in detail, combined with a full biomechanical evaluation. Findings are translated directly into a physiotherapy plan, whether that means manual therapy, targeted strength work, or a cue-based running retraining program.
You can learn more about Evan and the full Versa team on the About page.
What to Expect from Running Gait Analysis at Versa
Movement History and Goal Setting
Video Capture and Biomechanical Assessment
Results, Plan, and Follow-Up
What Running Gait Analysis Can Help You Achieve
- Reduced injury risk by identifying the specific movement patterns contributing to overuse injuries, allowing your plan to address root causes rather than manage symptoms.
- More efficient running form through targeted corrections to stride mechanics, cadence, and joint loading, helping you cover more distance with less effort.
- A clear return-to-run plan grounded in how your body is actually adapting, with milestones that support a safe, progressive return to training after injury.
Gait Assessment Physiotherapy
Gait Analysis & Assessment is a specialized service we offer at Versa Movement Collective to help identify abnormalities in your walk or run that could potentially lead to future injuries. Using advanced technology and our expert knowledge, we examine the way you walk or run, looking at your foot movement, body alignment, and stride. The process involves recording and analyzing your movement patterns while walking or running on a treadmill. This detailed assessment allows us to identify any biomechanical issues that might be causing pain or discomfort. By understanding these intricacies, we can design a personalized treatment plan to correct the imbalances, improve your mobility, and prevent future injuries.
Evan Baldwin
Frequently Asked Questions About Running Gait Analysis in Calgary
A gait analysis is worth considering if you have recurring running injuries, pain during or after runs, or a sense that your form is inefficient. It is also useful if you are increasing mileage, training for an event, or returning to running after a period off.
Wear your regular running shoes and the clothing you typically train in. Bringing a second pair of shoes or insoles you have used previously can also be helpful context for Jordan during the assessment.
A running gait analysis at Versa is a clinical physiotherapy assessment, not a retail fitting. The focus is on your neuromuscular control, joint mechanics, and movement patterns, with findings connected directly to your injury history and a treatment plan. Footwear recommendations may come up as part of that conversation, but they are one input among many.
Running gait analysis at Versa is conducted by a registered physiotherapist, so sessions are typically eligible for physiotherapy coverage under extended health plans. Coverage varies by provider and plan, so we recommend confirming with your insurer before your first appointment.
No referral is required. You can book directly through our online booking system or call the clinic to schedule.
Book Your Running Gait Analysis in Calgary
Evan Baldwin is currently accepting new patients for running gait analysis and physiotherapy. Book directly through our online booking system.
