Gait Lab

What is gait training?

Gait training is a type of physical therapy. It can help improve your ability to stand and walk. Your doctor may recommend gait training if you’ve had an illness or injury that affects your ability to get around. It may help you gain independence in walking, even if you need an adaptive device.

Gait training can help:

It may also lower your risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease and osteoporosis, by increasing your physical activity and mobility. Choosing gait training over immobility may help protect and improve your overall health.

Who can benefit from gait training?

If you’ve lost your ability to walk due to an injury, illness, or other health condition. For example, the following conditions can lead to difficulties with walking:

Children who require gait therapy often have brain injuries, neurological disorders, or musculoskeletal issues.

What does gait training involve

Gait training commonly involves walking on a treadmill and completing muscle strengthening activities. You may wear a harness while walking on the treadmill or doing other exercises. Your therapist may also ask you to practice stepping over objects, lifting your legs, sitting down, standing up, or other activities.

The type, intensity, and duration of your training will depend on your specific diagnosis and physical abilities.