2D Gait Analysis V 3D Gait Analysis

At ACE Feet in Motion, we’re proud to be the only podiatry-led sports injury clinic offering both 2D and 3D gait assessments under one roof. A common question we hear is: what’s the difference between 2D vs 3D gait analysis?

To make things simple, we’ve built our assessment packages around these options. Our Bronze and Silver packages include 2D dynamic pressure analysis, our Gold package features advanced 3D gait analysis, and our Platinum package combines both for the most comprehensive evaluation.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key features of each type of analysis, helping you decide which appointment best suits your needs—whether you’re recovering from injury, managing ongoing pain, or seeking peak performance.

Choosing Between 2D vs 3D Gait Analysis: What Type Is Best for You?

2D Dynamic Pressure Plate Analysis
What it measures:

• Plantar pressure distribution (how pressure is applied on different parts of the foot)
• Ground reaction forces
• Timing of foot contact, stance, and swing phases.

How it works:

• Uses pressure-sensitive mats, insoles, or platforms
• Captures data in 2D (x and y axes of the foot)
• Typically records pressure patterns while walking across or standing on the mat

What it tells you:

• Areas of high/low pressure on the foot
• Gait asymmetries
• Temporal gait metrics (step time, cadence, stance/swing ratios)
• Useful for diagnosing foot disorders, monitoring orthotic interventions.

Limitations:

• No detailed information about joint angles or body segment motion
• Doesn’t account for motion in depth (z-axis)
• Limited biomechanical insight into upper limbs, knees, or hips

3D Gait Analysis
What it measures:

• Lower-body joint kinematics (angles, rotations, positions)
• Kinetics (forces and moments at joints)
• Can be used to analyse walking and running gait

How it works:

• Uses Vicon motion capture systems (infrared cameras and 39 reflective markers)
• Tracks body segments in 3 dimensions (x, y, z axes)

What it tells you:

• Useful for rehabilitation, sports performance, prosthetic/orthotic design, and surgical planning
• Detailed joint motion (e.g., hip flexion, knee rotation, ankle dorsiflexion)
• Forces and torques at joints
• Postural and gait abnormalities from hip, knee and ankle

Limitations

• Requires specialised lab setup
• More time-consuming
• Sensitive to marker placement errors and calibration
  

What Type Is Best For You?

We have been using 2D pressure analysis for over 25 years here at ACE and 3D gait analysis for over a year and during that time we have been able understand that certain conditions are better suited to each of the assessments.

With regards to the 2D assessments we’ve found that if you are experiencing pain within the foot then a 2D assessment will usually give us more in depth information about potential contributors to the injury.

If you are experiencing pain above the foot in the knees or hips then 3D gait analysis gives us very accurate data specifically around those areas. 3D analysis creates a 3D model from your pelvis down to foot and allows us to see not only very specific movements, it also gives us information on certain performance parameters.

If you are struggling to choose between them DON’T PANIC our platinum package gives you the ability to have both 2D and 3D analysis giving you the most comprehensive assessment available!

If you are still struggling to decide, give one of our friendly admin team a call and they will be able to discuss what appointments are best for you.