The way you walk could reveal more about your health than you might think

Walking can provide numerous health benefits and is often used as a way to assess overall health. Gait analysis, which examines an individual’s walking pattern, can offer valuable insights into various health conditions. Abnormal gaits can be caused by factors such as illness, injury, genetics, or leg/foot problems. Gait analysis can help predict motor delays in children, fall risks in older adults, and the risk of dementia. It can also indicate the likelihood of sports injuries and guide rehabilitation after an injury. Health professionals use different methods, including physical observation and advanced technology, to analyze gait. Artificial intelligence is also being used to monitor gaits and track movement patterns. Gait analysis can provide important information for healthcare professionals and help individuals improve their mobility and quality of life. While insurance may cover gait analysis for medical reasons, those seeking gait analysis for athletic performance or injury prevention may need to pay out of pocket. Overall, gait analysis holds promise for improving assessment and intervention in various health conditions.