Choosing Gait Analysis Equipment
The gait analysis equipment market has expanded dramatically, offering options from simple smartphone apps to sophisticated laboratory systems. For UK facilities considering investment in gait analysis, understanding the landscape helps ensure you choose technology that matches your needs, budget, and capabilities.
This guide covers the equipment options available, key selection criteria, pricing expectations, and recommendations for different use cases.
Types of Gait Analysis Equipment
Video-Based Systems
Description: Cameras capture running footage for manual or software-assisted analysis.
Typical setup:
- High-speed cameras (120-240fps)
- Analysis software
- Standard treadmill or runway
Pros:
- Lower cost entry point (£2,000-5,000)
- Familiar technology
- Can analyze outdoor running
Cons:
- 2D perspective limits joint angle accuracy
- Analysis time-intensive
- No real-time feedback
- Quality depends on analyst skill
Best for: Running shops, basic screening, limited budgets
Pressure Plates and Mats
Description: Sensor arrays measure ground reaction forces and pressure distribution.
Types:
- In-floor force plates (research grade)
- Portable pressure mats
- In-shoe pressure sensors
Pros:
- Direct force measurement
- Pressure distribution mapping
- Useful for orthotic/footwear decisions
Cons:
- Limited to foot/force data (no joint angles)
- Floor plates capture only a few steps
- Moderate cost (£5,000-15,000)
Best for: Podiatry clinics, footwear specialists, complementing other systems
Instrumented Treadmills
Description: Treadmills with built-in force plates or pressure sensors.
Pros:
- Continuous force/pressure data during running
- Multiple strides captured per session
- Combined exercise and analysis
Cons:
- Force/pressure only (may need additional cameras)
- Significant cost (£10,000-25,000)
- Complex installation
Best for: Research, clinical gait labs, sports science centres
Marker-Based Motion Capture
Description: Reflective markers tracked by multiple infrared cameras for precise 3D kinematics.
Pros:
- Gold standard accuracy
- Full 3D joint angles
- Research-grade data
Cons:
- High cost (£50,000-150,000+)
- Time-intensive setup (marker placement)
- Requires trained operators
- Laboratory environment only
Best for: Research institutions, specialist clinical gait labs
AI-Powered Intelligent Treadmills
Description: Integrated systems combining treadmill, markerless motion capture, real-time analysis, and training features.
Example: Visbody Creator600
Pros:
- Comprehensive analysis without markers
- Real-time feedback during running
- Training and analysis in one device
- Engaging client experience
- AI-powered insights
Cons:
- Significant investment (£15,000-30,000)
- Requires adequate floor space
Best for: Sports centres, fitness facilities, performance clinics, physiotherapy practices
Key Selection Criteria
Primary Use Case
Running shop/retail: Basic video analysis, footwear recommendations
Physiotherapy clinic: Injury assessment, rehabilitation monitoring
Sports performance centre: Comprehensive analysis, training integration
Research institution: Maximum accuracy, full data export
Gym/fitness facility: Member service, engagement, retention
Accuracy Requirements
Screening level: Identify major issues, general categorization
Clinical level: Accurate enough to guide treatment decisions
Research level: Validated against gold standards, publishable data
Throughput and Workflow
High volume: Quick setup, automated analysis, efficient reporting
Detailed assessment: Comprehensive data, manual analysis time acceptable
Training integration: Real-time feedback, continuous use
Client Experience
Engaging displays: Visual feedback that clients understand and remember
Motivating features: Goal tracking, progress visualization
Professional impression: Technology that demonstrates facility quality
Integration
- Connection with other assessment tools (body composition, fitness testing)
- Data export to practice management systems
- Client apps for progress sharing
- Reporting capabilities
The Visbody Creator600: Our Recommendation
For sports centres, fitness facilities, and performance clinics seeking comprehensive gait analysis with training integration, the Visbody Creator600 represents the optimal choice.
Key Specifications
- Gait analysis: 17+ metrics tracked at 30fps
- Technology: AI-powered markerless motion capture
- Display: Vertical-plane head-up design
- Safety: AI invisible tethering
- Training: Virtual environments, interactive coaching
- Speed range: Walking to sprint speeds
Why Choose Creator600
- Complete solution: Analysis, training, and engagement in one device
- Client experience: Memorable technology that differentiates your facility
- Continuous monitoring: Every session provides gait data
- Head-up innovation: Better posture, more natural running
- Integration: Pairs with Visbody M60 for complete body analysis
Explore the Visbody Creator600 →
UK Pricing Guide 2025
Equipment Categories
Entry Level (£2,000-5,000):
- High-speed camera + basic software
- Smartphone-based systems
- Basic video analysis setups
Mid-Range (£5,000-15,000):
- Pressure plates/mats
- Multi-camera video systems
- Advanced software packages
Professional (£15,000-30,000):
- AI-powered intelligent treadmills (Visbody Creator600)
- Instrumented treadmills
- Integrated analysis systems
Research Grade (£50,000+):
- Multi-camera motion capture systems
- Full gait laboratory setups
- Combined kinematics and kinetics
Financing Options
- Leasing: £400-800/month typical for professional systems
- Finance: 0-5% interest over 12-36 months
- Rental: Some suppliers offer short-term trials
Implementation Considerations
Space Requirements
- Treadmill systems: 3-4m length × 2-3m width minimum
- Camera clearance for video systems
- Client comfort and privacy
- Adequate lighting (or controlled lighting for some systems)
Installation
- Electrical requirements (standard outlets for most systems)
- Network connectivity for cloud features
- Floor reinforcement for heavy equipment (if applicable)
- Typical installation: 2-4 hours for AI treadmill systems
Training
- Initial training: 2-6 hours depending on system complexity
- Interpretation skills: May require additional clinical training
- Staff turnover: Ensure training resources for new team members
ROI Analysis
Revenue Streams
- Direct assessment fees: £50-150 per session
- Training subscriptions: Access to AI treadmill for members
- Programme upsells: Gait retraining, strength programmes
- Corporate/team services: Group assessments
Indirect Benefits
- Member retention: Technology engagement reduces churn
- Competitive differentiation: Premium positioning
- Word-of-mouth: Memorable experiences drive referrals
- Clinical outcomes: Better results improve reputation
Conclusion
Gait analysis equipment investment should align with your facility's use case, clientele, and business model. For most sports and fitness facilities, AI-powered intelligent treadmills like the Visbody Creator600 offer the best combination of analytical capability, training integration, and client experience.
The right equipment transforms gait analysis from an occasional assessment into an ongoing service that adds value to every running session.