Biomechanics Lab

The Northwestern Health Sciences University Biomechanics Lab is offering one of the Twin Cities’ most detailed 3D Gait Analysis which moves beyond the typical, but limited, 2-D analyses commonly available. By offering a full picture of your gait and other movements, you’ll understand and be able to correct issues with your movement.

Our cutting-edge technology gives runners knowledge of both the kinematics (joint angles) and kinetics (forces and moments) of their gait and other movements in three dimensions. The technology here helps us fix significant gait issues, and advances our knowledge of human movement.

This knowledge can help you:

• Modify your form to improve performance
• Reduce your risk of injury
• Improve movement, balance, and posture
• Increase bone density
• Allow your healthcare provider to offer a more customized treatment plan

Referrals from Teams, Specialists, and Primary Care Physicians

When physicians, coaches, or team doctors need to help your patients and fully understand how to reduce injury and maximize performance, you need to go beyond two dimensions. We’re here to create the full picture.

Schedule an appointment:

Scott Austen
Coordinator, Biomechanics Lab
sausten@nwhealth.edu
952-698-8820

Biomechanics Analysis Form  (PDF) – fill out and bring to appointment

The gait analysis data is collected while you run on an instrumented treadmill that measures forces. At the same time, we collect movement data using our multi-camera 3D motion capture system. The actual running time for the data collection is 5-10 minutes at a self-selected speed.

Combining the data from these two systems allows us to report all lower limb joint (and pelvis) angles in three dimensions along with the associated forces.

Two videos are also captured during the session. An HD camera captures the whole person running, while a high-speed video camera captures a close-up of your feet.

At the end of the session, a written report is generated along with video and a computer-generated model of the gait parameters. We will review the report with you.

An electronic copy is also sent to you and any desired third parties. This allows you to share the report with your coach, trainer or healthcare provider.

As there are many parameters, many of which are unfamiliar to runners and clinicians, a biomechanical analysis report is included pointing out and explaining any outstanding features captured in the data.

What to Bring
Bring your normal running/athletic apparel and shoes including orthotics/inserts. (We have changing rooms.) We will attach reflective markers (using elastic straps) to allow capture of your movements. For optimal results, we prefer you wear non-reflective apparel.

Compression-type shorts or tights are preferred to make the attachment of the reflective marker clusters easier.

Length of Appointment
Your visit usually last about 1-1.5 hours, including warm-up time on the treadmill.

We’re proud to have a full suite of technology to benefit our visitors at the Sweere Clinic. Our cutting-edge tech makes us unique in Midwest, giving you the highest level of care. This includes:

• Multi-camera 3D motion capture system
• Instrumented treadmill that measures forces
• Speed up to 15 mph (4 min./mile pace)
• Inclines ±15°
• Print and video report of your unique movements (kinematic) and forces (kinetics)
• High-speed video captures foot strikes

The benefits of proper squatting lie in performance and injury prevention. Squatting truly targets the core and lower extremities allowing for improved movement, balance and increased bone density. It is also a great exercise to help improve posture. This movement benefits athletes, the elderly and everybody in between.

Ensuring proper mechanics allows us to move more efficiently through the day. Our Squat Analysis program complements the Gait Analysis and allows you to improve your movement in all directions.