Explore Free Modules - Mastering Feet Mechanics Workshop Static Assessment - Feet Static Assessment - Overview

Static Assessment - Overview

In this section of the workshop, we’ll be taking a close look at the static resting position of the foot and its alignment when at rest. This begins with a general assessment of how the foot contacts the ground and supports the mass above it. We’ll dive deeper by following a systematic approach that examines:

1. Heel Position: Observe the alignment and position of the heel relative to the rest of the foot to determine any deviation.

2. Talus (Ankle): Check the alignment and resting angle of the talus, as this influences the entire foot’s posture and alignment.

3. Forefoot (Arch): Assess the arch’s height and its connection to both the rearfoot and ground for any deviations in the arches of the foot.

4. Forefoot (4th/5th Metatarsals): Focus on the lateral forefoot to identify any imbalances or compensations in the frontal plane via inverted or everted positions.

5. Digits (Toes): Observe the position, spread, and alignment of each toe in relation to the metatarsal heads.

6. Shank (Tibia) Angle: Analyze the angle of the tibia, as it impacts load distribution, talus position, and stability of the foot and lower limb.

7. Rotation of the Foot, Tibia, or Femur: Assess the rotational alignment of these segments, noting any external or internal rotation that may impact movement efficiency and stability.

8. Wide or Narrow Stance: Evaluate the stance width to understand the skeletal stability requirements and identify any adjustments the body may make to maintain balance.

9. Relative Knee Position: Examine the relationship between the tibia and femur to assess knee alignment and any compensations affecting posture or gait.

In future workshops, such as the Advanced Foot & Limb Workshop and the Feet and Spinal Mechanics Workshop, we’ll delve into each of these critical assessment points in greater depth. These workshops are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of foot and lower limb alignment, focusing on compensations and imbalances that can impact posture, movement, and overall stability.

While this current workshop covers some of the foundational aspects, it’s important to note that understanding the full spectrum of foot variations and individual structural differences takes time and experience. Observing a diverse range of foot presentations is essential to fully grasp the many possible variations and their unique impacts on alignment. Through continued hands-on practice and advanced workshops, we’ll build the expertise needed to assess and address these variations, equipping you to identify and address individual needs more effectively.

The static resting position of the foot reveals important details about the body’s center of mass (COM) and center of pressure (COP), indicators of weight distribution and balance. Observing this stance can provide clues about the alignment of the pelvis and spine (as discussed in the Advanced Foot & Limb Mechanics and Foot & Spine Mechanics Workshops). This, in turn, reflects the nervous system’s ‘default’ or resting posture—a stance shaped by the cumulative outcome of all movement patterns and neurological conditioning.

From a neurological perspective, the body adopts a posture it perceives as “normal” or balanced or avenue of least resistance, often influenced by compensatory patterns. Without an external intervention—such as targeted exercise, manual therapy, or environmental stimuli—this position is likely reinforced over time as the nervous system continually seeks a familiar sense of stability. For a lasting change, the entire skeletal system must adapt to the new positioning; otherwise, the body may revert to its previous state. This phenomenon is similar to spinal adjustments by chiropractors or osteopaths, where the body may fall back into its familiar posture if the entire system has not fully adapted to the adjustment.

As therapists, our role is to provide targeted stimuli to encourage these shifts in alignment. By investigating which parts of the system have resisted change, we can identify specific areas in need of further intervention. This process requires a thorough assessment of each joint and bone, whether through movement analysis or static positioning, to ensure the entire system is aligned and adaptable to new, healthier postures.

Relevant Research References

Several research areas highlight the significance of static foot posture in relation to COM, COP, and neurological adaptation:

1. Nervous System and Postural Adaptation: Studies suggest that the nervous system adapts and creates a ‘default’ resting posture based on habitual movement patterns and compensations. For example, Trewartha et al. (2009) found that habitual postures reflect learned, stable states of the nervous system, impacting the alignment and positioning of the entire body.

2. Foot Posture and Center of Pressure: According to Mickle et al. (2010), the foot’s static position and COP displacement are closely linked. They found that static foot assessments can help predict dynamic stability and postural control, highlighting the foot’s role as a foundational reference point for balance.

3. COM and Pelvic Alignment: In research by Lee and Wong (2015), the pelvis was identified as a key factor in weight distribution and center of mass stability. They discovered that alterations in pelvic alignment lead to shifts in COP, influencing the static foot posture as an adaptation to maintain balance.

4. Neuromuscular Responses and Intervention: Nigg et al. (2001) emphasise the role of targeted stimuli in altering default postures, demonstrating that even subtle interventions can prompt the nervous system to adjust its ‘normal’ stance, improving balance and alignment over time.

These studies support the concept that an individual’s static foot position is not merely a local concern but is deeply tied to neurological adaptations and overall body alignment. A comprehensive approach that considers the nervous system’s role in posture can lead to more effective interventions, helping to recalibrate the perceived ‘normal’ resting position for improved movement patterns and weight distribution.