Fitness Center

Gait Analysis
Laboratory for Runners

Purpose
Most runners experience a running related injury sooner or later. Aching feet, stress fracture, shin splints, chondromalacia patellae, and ITB band syndrome are common injuries in runners, and improper shoe selection is an important determinant. Running shoes are designed to absorb shock and control excessive movement of the joints in the foot. However, to best perform these tasks, shoes need to match the anatomical characteristics of the foot. The closer the match, the lower the rate of injury. 
The University of Nebraska at Omaha Gait Analysis Laboratory specializes in studying and evaluating running injuries and performance. The Laboratory offers an assessment to help determine the best type of running shoe to match the idiosyncrasies of your foot, ankle and leg anatomy. The procedure is based on the most recent knowledge available in sports medicine. The goal is to keep you running and minimize downtime due to injury.

Evaluation
During a 30-minute appointment, you receive a scientific evaluation in which the University of Nebraska at Omaha Gait Analysis Laboratory staff completes a training history, anatomical examination, and gait analysis. The anatomical examination includes a thorough assessment of your foot type, possible leg length discrepancy, general limb alignment, and lower extremity flexibility. The gait analysis involves an evaluation of your current and past training shoes and a video recorded computer analysis of your walking and running mechanics. The computer analysis evaluates the mechanics of your hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Results are summarized in a written report. Based on your training history, physical examination, and running mechanics, a shoe type is prescribed to fit your individual needs. If muscular deficiencies are noted in your running mechanics, injury prevention and strengthening exercises are prescribed. 

Cost $60.00
The fee includes anatomical exam, computerized biomechanical analysis of walking and running on a treadmill, and a recommendation for running shoes that matches the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of your feet and gait pattern. 

Pronation
Angle

To schedule an appointment
or for information, call:
(402) 554-3225

 

Research
University of Nebraska at Omaha Gait Analysis Laboratory uses applied principles of engineering and mathematics to investigate human movement and injury prevention. Research topics emphasize running injuries, shoe performance, human movement variability, and athletic performance.

 

Personnel
Nicholas Stergiou, Ph.D., is the director of the Gait Analysis Laboratory. He received his doctorate at the University of Oregon where he conducted a number of studies on the biomechanics of running and walking, and served as a consultant for a major shoe manufacturer in the testing and designing of new shoes.