Anthony Milunas prepares Capt. Allison Murray for the running portion of her gait analysis Oct. 3 at the Health and Wellness Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The gait analysis is a service offered by the HAWC staff that assesses running movement and provides advice to avoid running injuries. Milunas is a health fitness specialist with the 559th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. Murray is a nurse manager with the 59th Medical Operations Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Courtney Moses)
Anthony Milunas shows Capt. Allison Murray what her stride looks like during her gait analysis Oct. 3 at the Health and Wellness Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The gait analysis is a service offered by the HAWC staff that assesses running movement and provides advice to avoid running injuries. Milunas is a health fitness specialist with the 559th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. Murray is a nurse manager with the 59th Medical Operations Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Courtney Moses)
Anthony Milunas reviews Capt. Allison Murray’s gait analysis with her Oct. 3 at the Health and Wellness Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The gait analysis is a service provided by the HAWC that assesses running movement and provides advice to avoid running injuries. Milunas is a health fitness specialist with the 559th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. Murray is a nurse manager with the 59th Medical Operations Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Courtney Moses)
by Airman 1st Class Courtney Moses
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
10/11/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- For individuals seeking to become an efficient runner, the Health and Wellness Center has the answer, and it's called a gait analysis.
A gait analysis is a method used to assess a person's bio-mechanics while they run or walk. Information gathered enables the staff to develop a treatment plan, recommend a customized shoe fit and identify imbalances so corrective measures are taken to reduce or eliminate pain and injury.
The HAWC staff records the member's feet as they run on the treadmill both barefoot and with their running shoes. Afterwards, the two videos are played side by side on the computer screen to evaluate the foot strike and ankle movement.
"By using the video cameras I can break it down to slow motion which captures the foot alignment and degree of rotation," said Anthony Milunas, a health fitness specialist with the 559th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.
The test takes no more than two minutes, and another ten minutes to sit down with the runner and explain proper form and what type of shoes to buy.
"You can go into a running store and the clerk will tell you to walk and then they suggest what type of shoe you will need. Here, you can sit next to me while we look at what's going on with your foot and together we can determine what the problem is and offer some tips on how to become a more efficient runner," explained Milunas.
"Many people come to the HAWC unsure of themselves, but leave knowing they are one step closer to becoming a more efficient runner," he added.
"I think this is a fantastic service. I don't consider myself an avid runner, but it definitely makes sense to have someone analyze your gait and give you recommendations for shoe styles and ways to improve your running. I would definitely recommend this service to everyone," said Capt. Allison Murray, nurse manager with the 59th Medical Operations Squadron.
The gait analysis is offered on a walk-in basis, every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 am.
To request more information about the gait analysis and other services provided by the HAWC, call 210-671-0566.
