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TREADMILLS - Useful Information
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When using a treadmill for observational gait analysis it is important to take the following into account:
The Trampoline Effect
Belt based treadmills run over a board specifically designed to absorb impact. This absorption masks the foot’s and body's ability to absorb shock. In addition any rebound, after initial impact, will affect the clients ‘foot signature’.
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Contact Grip
During initial foot contact the belt often grips the board (through friction). This causes the foot to stop momentarily before accelerating to foot flat. While the belt is gripping it can be seen to bunch-up beneath the foot's contact area.
Early Heel Lift
The more powerful the treadmill motor is, the more likely it is that the foot will be pulled backwards beneath the body. (Rather than the foot propelling the body forward). This bogus ‘toe-off’ phase creates uncertainty with the runner, causing them to drop their centre-of-mass as well as reducing their gait length.
Shorter Swing Phase
If an early heel lift occurs the swinging leg will quickly return to initial contact. This is because the client wants to re-gain balance (contact) as soon as possible.
Lateral Shift
Some clients with excessive toe-out angle and gene valgum frequently drive the belt laterally during the propulsive phase of their gait. As the belt is designed to slide it exaggerates the movement. You can identify this by monitoring the gap between the edge of the treadmill and belt.
Noise & Vibration
Most orthopaedic treadmills bounce back causing unnecessary noise and vibration. Not a sympathetic environment for professional analysis.
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