Research Summary by Louis Ellery
Why ankle & foot mechanics matter for pain-free gait and posture
Quadriceps and plantarflexors are key to body-mass propulsion and support during gait and running. These muscles generate the forces that move you forward.
Foot and ankle mechanics transmit forces up the kinetic chain. Misalignment or dysfunction at this level propagates upward through the knee, hip, and spine, affecting posture, gait symmetry, and injury risk.
Rehabilitation programs focused exclusively on hip and glute strengthening overlook ground-level mechanics, frequently resulting in incomplete or temporary improvements.
An integrated, whole-body approach beginning from the ground up typically outperforms isolated joint or muscle focus. Correcting lower-leg mechanics provides more sustainable results for chronic pain rehabilitation.
Hamner SR, Seth A & Delp SL (2010). "Muscle contributions to propulsion and support during running." Journal of Biomechanics. PMC2973845.
Apply the Research
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