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New HAWC machine aids Airmen in stride

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
  • 20 FW/PA
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Health and Wellness Center here received a gait analysis machine Jan. 23, to help analyze abnormalities in a person's stride.
 
The purpose of the analysis machine is to help make individuals more efficient runners.


The set up of the machine consists of three cameras set at different angles to allow a 360 degree view of the person being analyzed.

"There are three angles we shoot from: side, rear and the front," said Kevin Davalos, HAWC exercise physiologist. "The side view gives us an overall look of how the person's posture is. The front view is to see how their feet land and where their knees are. Lastly, the rear view is to see hip and lower leg position."

Many runners have issues with shin splints and abnormal running form that affects their run time, and recovering from injuries, he added.

When people come to get their run or walk analyzed, the HAWC members will also give tips and suggestions on how to improve their running posture, run time and prevent the most common injuries.

The gait analysis machine is for anyone who wants to improve their overall fitness.

HAWC members suggest anyone who gets analyzed to return in about eight weeks to see their progress.

"I want people to take advantage of this," said Davalos. "Unlike off base, there is no charge and it helps your run and form, which will in turn improve people's run times on physical training tests and prevent injuries."

For more information or to be evaluated, call Kevin Davalos at the HAWC, 895-1216.
Appointments will start Feb. 4 and take place every Monday. The appointments will take no longer than 30 minutes. Operation times for the gait analysis machine will be from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.