4. Update: I was listening to your podcast and you said Ice Bug was out of business. I sell them in my store in Fairbanks Alaska where we have snow and ice on the ground for 6-7 months a year. The US distributor is Ice Bug USA. I also carry a the Salomon Snow Cross studded shoe.

http://www.salomon.com/us/product/snowcross-cs.html

http://icebug.se/en/grip-tech/grip/

The effects of limb dominance and fatigue on running biomechanics
http://www.gaitposture.com/article/S0966-6362(13)00702-9/abstract

5. Email case:

Dear Gaitguys,

I have been on a search since October to determine the cause of my chronic tendonitis in my knees and right hip. Through my search I was told that my femurs are rotated internally and my tibia are externally rotated. This is causing my patella to face inward.

I was told by one PT that I will never be able to run long distances without developing tendonitis. I want to believe he is wrong because I love running. I came across something called Femoral Anterior Glide in my research and was wondering if you guys believe this is a real condition. Also is there a way a person can know if they have this problem?

Thank you for all of your great posts!

Kate

6. Blog reader:

My 11 year old son walks with a very noticeable external tibial torsion. We just recently noticed this and I came upon your site while trying to research it. I also read that many time it has to do with a problem with the patella. Both my husband and daughter have had patella problems but do not have the duck walk like my son. I did ask a a pediatric sports medicine specialist about the problem and he said some kids just walk that way. Where should I bring my son for help with this?

7. Blog reader asks:

About a year ago there was an article posted called: “A case of the non-resolving ankle sprain. Things to think about when the ankle and foot just do not fully come around after a sprain”. I am 15 weeks into an identical problem and I was wondering if there was any way you guys could follow up with “MR” to see if he was ever able to resolve his issue. It is such a unique and frustrating case (being able to walk but not run) and I haven’t found any other instance of it until now. Thank you.

8. Shoe Fit Certification program

Link:Gait Guys online /download store (National Shoe Fit Certification and more !) :

http://store.payloadz.com/results/results.aspx?m=80204

http://runblogger.com/2014/01/why-cant-science-determine-the-best-running-shoe.html

http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=56486–

9. Second metatarsal osteotomies for metatarsalgia: A robotic cadaveric study of the effect of osteotomy plane and metatarsal shortening on plantar pressure - Trask - 2013 - Journal of Orthopaedic Research - Wiley Online Library

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jor.22524/abstract;jsessionid=BCFFA5207512C41214E7F3D601729EFE.f01t01

January 28, 2014 January 28, 2014/ The Gait Guys

The unbalanced athlete, motor pattern, team, joint etc…… is not efficient.
Like him or not, believing he should have lost his last fight (or not), Georges St-Pierre was/is one of the best MMA fighters of all time. He was once quoted as… — **The unbalanced athlete, motor pattern, team, joint etc…… is not efficient.**

Like him or not, believing he should have lost his last fight (or not), Georges St-Pierre was/is one of the best MMA fighters of all time. He was once quoted as saying,

**“In fighting, in evolution, in life, efficiency is the key,” says St-Pierre.**

**"It’s not the most powerful animal that survives. It’s the most efficient.“**

This certainly describes most of Georges fights. There were always bigger, faster, meaner, stronger opponents. However, most of his fights went the distance. Eight of his last nine fights went to a five round decision. Now, there are those who will say that he didn’t have the finishing power or submission skills to close fights in the earlier rounds, and that is debatable for sure. However, there is no doubt that anyone’s best fighting attributes will diminish as the rounds progress and fatigue sets in. But, perhaps this is an equalizer when someone doesn’t have one single "golden right hand”, or what have you. **Efficiency can be the great equalizer.**

St-Pierre isn’t your typical fighter. He’s arguably the best mixed martial artist in the world, a 5-foot 11-inch, 190-pound destroyer. Up until his most recent fight with Johnny Hendricks, he had not lost a round in more than 3 years, that is pure efficiency ! Arguably, he is faster than other fighters, he is more fit, has a greater range of skills, has better endurance … in a Darwinian sense, perhaps more efficient ?

Here at the Gait Guys we are always considering efficiency. As you can see from the slide above, there are many factors that can diminish efficiency. We strive for as much symmetry as we can because with neuromuscular symmetry efficiency can be maximized. Keep in mind however, that total symmetry is not always possible. Most people have two different feet, often one is more varus because it sat against the mothers rounded belly in utero. And, one tibia is often more bowed or torsioned than the other for the same reason. So, perfect symmetry is not always possible or guaranteed. But, one can do alot to gain as much physical symmetry as possible through detailed study of your client. (Remember, just because things look symmetrical does not mean that they function symmetrically ! This game is not that easy ! But, for some of the uneducated, it may seem to be !) When physical symmetry is regained often the sensory-motor nervous system becomes functionally more symmetrical. And, this is a flippable phenomenon, when neuro symmetry is driven often physical symmetry will be driven in time.

Think about the afferent input to the cortex from the peripheral receptors in the skin (Paccinian corpuscles, Merkels discs, etc); the joint mechanorecpetors (types I-IV) and muscle receptors (spindles and Golgi tendon organs). Generally speaking, they travel up the dorsal columns on the back of the spinal cord to the thalamus and then the cortex; up the dorsal spinocerebelllar tract, to the cerebellar hemispheres; the spino- reticular tract to the reticular formation, or in the case of the upper cervical spine, directly into or flocculonodular lobe of the cerebellum. This information needs to be equal and opposite from each side of the extremity (flexors and extensors) as well as the right and left sides of the body. This “Balance” or “Homeostasis” or what the Chinese called Yin and Yang is key to efficiency.

In your workouts and rehab, strive for symmetry. We like to say “Tailor your exercises to the weaker side”. This helps to create more equality rather than a larger disparity.

The Gait Guys. Making it Real…Each Day….On the Blog…

January 27, 2014 January 27, 2014/ The Gait Guys

How well do your boots fit your ride?

Whether you ski, ride, nordic or tele, having the right boot fit can make the difference between a good day and a great day. It can accelerate your learning curve, prevent injuries, keep you warm and make you more comfortable. Not all feet are made the same and neither are ski boots. Good fit requires time and patience (lots of both). Here are a few tips for better fit.

What kind of a skier/rider are you? Recreational, competitive, racing, extreme? How you’ll use the boot will often determine the type of boot that is appropriate for you. In my opinion, you should get a boot that is a little above your ability (unless you are not interested in improving your skiing and/or riding), so that you will improve and “grow into” the boot. This will ensure that you’ll continue to improve in your snowriding abilities. Boots are very high tech these days and a subtle change in stiffness or angles can make a drastic difference in your skiing/riding.

The first thing you need to do is look at your feet. Are they feet to the same from side to side (ie. same size and shape)? These are the platform for the rest of your body. What happens down there will affect everything else. Take a good look at your feet while you are standing. Are there bunions, calluses, hammertoes (toes curled under), or a Morton’s toe (2nd toe longer than your big toe)? Do you pronate excessively while standing or walking (this will look like your arches are collapsing)? What is the relationship of the forefoot (front of your foot) to the rear foot (is the ankle sideways when viewed from behind? It should be neutral without your heel turning in (inversion) or turning out (eversion). The forefoot (front of your foot) should be flat on the ground. Does your ankle bend back as far as it should (this is called dorsiflexion). This will have an effect on the forward lean of the boot. Are you bowlegged or knock-kneed? This will cause you to ride on the outside or inside edge of your ski/ snowboard.

If you pronate excessively, have increased or decreased flexibility in the forefoot, rearfoot or big toe, have bunions or hammertoes, or are excessively bowlegged or knock kneed, proper fit and comfort while skiing will probably require a full contact orthotic or footbed. Hard deformities, such as bunions, may require liner and or boot shell modification.

Good socks are next on the list. Wool or wool blend socks are best. The intertwining fibers of wool create air pockets, which make it both insulating and breathable. Wool absorbs sweat in its vapor state, before it liquefies, keeping you dry. It utilizes your own body heat to evaporate the moisture. This also helps to eliminate odor. No cotton socks, as they hold moisture, often creating blisters and providing a breeding ground for bacteria that cause odor; no multiple pairs, as they make feet cold. Remember, thin is in… let the liner do its job.

Have your foot measured utilizing a Brannocks device in a standing position. Remember that your arch will flatten as you put weight on it. Remembering that the foot elongates with weight on it, will be useful for the next step.

Next you need to have the right sized ski/snowboard boot shell. This is as important for hard boots as soft boots Take the liner out of the boot and put your foot inside the shell so that your toes are just touching the front of the shell. There should be approximately ½ - ⅝ of an inch (two crossed fingers thickness) behind the ankle to the back of the shell. More than ¾ of an inch will cause too much heel rise once the shells are “packed out”. There should be ¼ - ⅜ of an inch space between the feet and the side shell of the ski boot.

Now comes the liner. The liner should fit snugly. Very snugly. There should be no pressure spots anywhere on your foot. Put in your foot bed or custom orthotic if available, before sizing the shell. Remember that you’ll gain between ⅛ and ¼ of an inch of space with break-in when the liners “pack out”.

Buckle the boots loosely and flex the boot forward. This will help to “seat the heel”. Remember that if the you cannot flex the boot at room temperature, you will not be able to when the plastic is very cold. Now that the heel is seated, buckle the boot more firmly. They should not be on the last buckle.

Now simulate some ski/ride movements. If the boot is relatively comfortable, proceed to the next step otherwise repeat with different shell/liner size.

The cant of the boot (cuff alignment) needs to be adjusted next. This needs to be done by someone other than yourself (because you are standing in the boot). A plumb line dropped from the knee should pass between your second and third toe. This ensures an even transfer of weight from edge to edge. Most boots are built with about 4 degrees of varus (lateral cant). If you are not able to adequately align the foot, consider orthotics or having the boot shimmed. Remember that boots with higher cuffs will have more of an effect on your stance.

Most boots provide between 12-16 degrees of forward lean. If there is less than 12 degrees, consider a heel lift to place your body weight forward. Remember to consider how much ankle dorsiflexion you have.

Once these adjustments are made, simulate skiing/riding movements in the shop for at least an hour. Remember that ski/snowboard boots are made for snowriding, not walking. Now remove the boots and socks and look for “hot spots” on the feet that will show up as red marks. These may represent areas in the boot liner or shell that need to be stretched and/or fitted better.

Well. There you have it. Now you know lots more than you knew when you began this article. As you can see, it is a very time consuming and labor intensive ordeal. Often times, people need professional help with the whole process and often require a foot bed or full arch contact orthotic. Become familiar with your own feet and then become familiar with the people or shops that do good boot fitting (ask around) and consider enlisting their help on your journey to the perfect boot.

The Gait Guys. Making it real…here….on the blog…with every post…

January 23, 2014 January 23, 2014/ The Gait Guys

Gait is a Fingerprint.
“Just because you see something you do not like, does not mean that it is wrong. ”
How many times have you heard us say this ! Yes, we are getting tired of saying it, too. But, it is the honest truth.
The abov… — Gait is a Fingerprint.

“Just because you see something you do not like, does not mean that it is wrong. ”

How many times have you heard us say this ! Yes, we are getting tired of saying it, too. But, it is the honest truth.

The above slide is one that we are using in an upcoming teaching presentation for you folks. And this slide pretty much tells it like it is. That being, that gait is a unique and variable fingerprint. The slide suggests, with references, that gait is so variable, that even people with the same disease process have different presentations miles apart from one another.

This gait analysis thing is not simple. If you are using a piece of analysis software that has you comparing your patients to normative data, be careful. You are very likely not comparing “apple to apples”. So, do not pigeon-hole your client to normative data. Do your hands on physical examination and find out where THEIR limitations are, not what the normative data says their capacities should be. This could be one’s first mistake in trying to help a client.

Bottom line, no 2 people’s arms swing, leg swing, pelvic posture, hip extension etc are the same. Even side to side on the same client there may be variability due to degrees of long bone torsion or foot type (we have discusses these embryologic issues previously many times here on our blog). So, just try to improve your clients function and stability and mobility to what their body needs.

This is not a templated game. This an art form that takes years to develop. We too are learning and growing, so thanks for being on this journey with us !

Shawn and Ivo, the gait guys

January 21, 2014 January 21, 2014/ The Gait Guys

Start with the basics: One of our favorite Core Exercises for the obliques.

Following up on yesterdays post, here is one of our all time favorite exercises for core stability. It focuses on the external obliques, but hits all the major players. This exercise has been adapted and modified from from Shirley Sahrmann’s book “Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Disorders”. It is shown here excerpted from our video series, available by clicking here.

Her is a quick summary you are free to reproduce for home or clinic/ shop use (they are copyrighted) but not for resale. Please give us credit if you pass them along!

Non Tripodding Exercise

The purpose of this exercise is to improve the strength of your abdominal muscles. You will also learn to prevent lower back (lumbar spine) motions associated with leg movement.

STARTING POSITION: Lie on your back on the floor. Bend both knees about 90 degrees with the feet flat on the floor.

Contract your abdomen, do not hold your breath or hollow.

Lift one foot off the floor slightly and hold it there. Lift the opposite leg until your thigh is vertical. Do not push down with the opposite leg while lifting! Repeat for 5-10 repetitions with good form. Repeat with the opposite leg. Remember not to contract the muscles on the back of your thigh on the leg you have on the floor.

Perform 5 repetitions 2 times per day increasing to 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

The Gait Guys. Showing you how to get it done, each and every post!

January 20, 2014 January 20, 2014/ The Gait Guys

The Lumbar Lordosis and Pelvic Stabilization Exercises

We had an inquiry regarding maintenance of the lumbar lordosis during exercise: Do you keep the spine flexed or in a “neutral” posture?

Here was our response:

“A decreased lumbar lordosis increases shear forces in the lumbar spine, as the plane of the multifidus and rototores with lumbar flexion become more parallel with the lumbar spine (see above: from McGill). This changes the angle of insertion of the muscles and they cannot stop the forward movement of the vertebrae, creating shear, which can be damaging to the discs. If they are experiencing pain during an exercise with increased flexion, that may indicate discogenic pain, poor stabilization or both.

Placing the spine in too much extension will cause the facet joints to bear too much weight (normally they are to bear approximately 20%: Kirkaldy Willis) resulting in facet irritation. If they are experiencing pain during an exercise with increased extension, that may indicate a facet issue or poor stabilization (or both).

We would emphasize that the patient needs to be in a NEUTRAL spine, not necessarily extension. Exercises should be minimized to a pain free range of motion or removed from their rehab program until they are able to perform the motion competently and in a pain free range.

Sometimes , patients need to “slow down” and though they are anxious to proceed, we must make sure they have adequate stabilization and appropriate technique.”

The Gait Guys. Giving you the facts and the info you need to make great decisions.

January 17, 2014 January 17, 2014/ The Gait Guys

Welcome to REWIND FRIDAY.

Some light, entertaining gait candy for you to see. This one is from May 2011; an oldie but a goodie. Enjoy!

Lets look at this Hitchcock classic “North by Northwest” and check out Cary’s form.

1^st of all, what an arm swing! Think of all that energy it is sapping from the rest of his muscular system. He must be hiding something, but what? We can only see him from the waist up, so we may never actually know. Did you notice how he initially only turns to the right? Did you pick up on the flexion at the waist? How about that torso bob from side to side? Not much to his hip abductors now are there?

The only thing he has going for him is he is wearing leather soled shoes, which have been shown to have one of the lowest impact loading on the body (yes, you read that right; increased cushioning INCREASES impact forces, but that’s not what we are here to talk about). Oh yea, he actually impacts the ground at the end of the sequence. I guess if his technique was better, he would have hit even HARDER.

Next sequence, we are off to a good start, look at that forward lean to start! This is essential to good technique. He loses that form pretty quickly; we can still see that forward flexion at the waist; certainly costing him energy by not using his core.

Finally, we get a posterior view at the end, but the uneven surface makes it difficult to make an analysis.

We think Cary would certainly give Lola a run for her money. Cary, next time, engage your core and watch your step…

We Remain….The Gait Guys

January 16, 2014 January 16, 2014/ The Gait Guys

The Cross Over Gait
Did you miss our teleseminar presentation on this topic last night on www.onlinece.com ?
Here is a sample of one of our slides. The cross over gait is potentially a real problem for some. The question is always, how much cross o… — The Cross Over Gait

Did you miss our teleseminar presentation on this topic last night on www.onlinece.com ?

Here is a sample of one of our slides. The cross over gait is potentially a real problem for some. The question is always, how much cross over (running or walking) is too much for a client ? When does it need corrected ? Does it need corrected ? Leave it alone ? We answered these hard questions in our teleseminar.

Lucky for you www.onlineCE.com recorded it so you can take the class anytime ! (just give them a few days to process the recording).

As you can see from just this slide here, we looked at many aspects of the cross over. But we also discussed STEP WIDTH, lateral compartment weakness and tightness as coexisting pathology, and so much more. Stay tuned, we will be recording this program into an extended and more in depth course for you all in a video format with course notes and more and then have it for you on our Payloadz website (which you can access here for our present offerings).

In the mean time, consider looking for these “Big 6” and when you see them co-existing you might want to look for a cross over pattern in your client, it just might be there sometimes.

- weak gluteus medius

- weak TVA and obliques

- weak adductors

- weak medial quadriceps

- weak tibialis posterior

- excessive foot pronation

Shawn and Ivo, The Gait Guys

January 15, 2014 January 15, 2014/ The Gait Guys

Hallux Varus: The anti-bunion. Thinking of bunion surgery ? This could be a complication if things go sour.
Hallux varus, when the big toe drifts medially, is a real problem. It is typically an acquired problem from a hallux valgus/bunion surgery go… — Hallux Varus: The anti-bunion. Thinking of bunion surgery ? This could be a complication if things go sour.

Hallux varus, when the big toe drifts medially, is a real problem. It is typically an acquired problem from a hallux valgus/bunion surgery gone awry. (This post will not delve into some of the suspected culprits of this problem including Mc Bride, Scarf, Chevron or Akin osteotomy etc but that would be some of the reader’s next steps into diving deeper into this problem. Surgical procedures to the 1st ray was one of the gait guys senior orthopedic residency thesis topics, hence we now hate this topic !).

This deformity can be rigid or flexible. This case seen in the photo walked into our office recently. These are not all that common and you won’t see many of them, but you do need to know they exist and where they can come from, how to cope with them and what issues you will need to understand (ie. footwear, talked about below) to assist your client.

Hallux varus can be painful, uncomfortable and even debilitating in some cases. Sometimes they necessitate fixation to realign the hallux bone along a more reasonable alignment with the shaft of the 1st metatarsal.

Early correction seems critical because the linear and rotational forces at work generating the deformity can eventually lead to a further progressing deformity that can be even more problematic. When left unaddressed more drastic and radical corrective interventions seem necessary, including but not limited to, resection of the base of the proximal phalanx, fusions and tendon transfers. However, newer surgical procedures are coming along proposing things like reconstruction of the lateral stabilising components of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.

So here at The Gait Guys we like to ask the big, and sometimes obvious, questions. What is toe off in walking and running gait going to look like in this hallux varus case ? Well, one has to consider that the normal linear and rotational forces are now changed. This means that the normal eccentric axis of the 1st MPT joint involved is going to very likely be changed. This means that the clearance of the base of the phalanx could be impaired and lead to painful binding, grinding or locking of the toe prior to reaching the adequate range of dorsiflexion for normal toe off. Additionally, the toe may act functionally unstable as the rotational forces remain unchecked leading to joint instability. Naturally, the medial foot tripod will be impaired and since the big toe acts in part like a kickstand to help support and fixate the 1st metatarsal (medial tripod), pronation forces can remain unchecked and beyond normal. Naturally the foot will attempt to shift the tripod stability elsewhere and often this goes to the 2nd metatarsal commonly found with hammering of the digit in an attempt to help with stability through increased long flexor tone (FDL). Pain with a hallux varus can be a bigger complaint than the unsightly surgical outcome.

There is so much more to this topic. We could go on for at least another 50 pages on this topic (as our thesis reminds us) but volume is not the point of today’s task. It was to bring something new to light for our brethren here at The Gait Guys. In the photo above, you see drift of the lesser toes, seemingly to follow the big toe. What you need to know is that this is not typical, however not impossible one could propose. This client had some other forefoot procedures done that were largely, although not exclusively, related to that lesser digit drift. Regardless, this is a client that is in some amount of foot trouble. They had good mobility of the 1st MTP joint, so full toe off was possible but because of the instability and uncontrollable rotational forces the joint was painful. A simple intervention made her life infinitely more comfortable, moving her into rigid rocker bottomed shoes. Dansko clogs for work, and ROCS shoes for walking. This left us with a very happy client. Not bad, all things considered. In the mean time we will watch for deformity progression even though the patient could not be urged to have another surgery probably even if their life depended upon it.

In summary, being a patient can be difficult. These days, more than ever it seems, one needs to do their homework and be their own advocate. Prior to surgery several consults should have taken place, risk and rewards should have been discussed, realistic outcomes dialogued and perhaps most of all questioning whether surgery needed to be on the table in the first place. Remember, surgery is most wisely selected in cases of neurologic decline and excessively painful and further detrimental biomechanics (ie. unaddressed ACL deficiency eventually promoting secondary instability with time). If there are ways around either, they should be explored. Cosmetic correction should never be on the table, and in the case of the foot, nor should poor shoe choices that promote problems.

January 14, 2014 January 14, 2014/ The Gait Guys

Take a look at this gal.
Why does she have a cross over gait?
note how much tibial varum she has (curvature of the tibial in the coronal plane)
how much adduction of the right foot there is, potentially indicating a tight posterior compartment, or p… — **Take a look at this gal.**

Why does she have a cross over gait?

note how much tibial varum she has (curvature of the tibial in the coronal plane)

how much adduction of the right foot there is, potentially indicating a tight posterior compartment, or perhaps a loss of internal rotation of the right thigh

the excessive posterior rotation of the left shoulder and upper body

the subtle abduction of the right arm compared to the left

the slight torso lean to the left

The correct answer is we don’t know until we examine her. Maybe is is there out of necessity or perhaps it is a more efficient running style for her. Here are some points:

**Technical Issues with the crossover gait**

The cross over gait may be:

a more efficient running style

a potential pathologic musculoskeletal motor pattern

better for long distance runners

a challenge to balance because of a narrower base of support

It may also be related to:

a weak gluteus medius

weak adductors

excessive foot pronation

lower extremity morpholgy (like tibial varum, forefoot varus)

a weak vastus medialis

a weak tibialis posterior

and the list goes on

Join us, tomorrow, Wednesday evening, 8pm EST, 7 CST, 6 MST, 5PCT for an hour of crossover gait on chirocredit.com or onlinece.com for Biomechanics 316. We look forward to seeing you there..

The Gait Guys: Shawn and Ivo

January 13, 2014

Podcast 51: Bouncy Gait, Stem Cells & Plantar fasciitis,

January 13, 2014/ The Gait Guys

A. Link to our server:

http://thegaitguys.libsyn.com/podcast-51-bouncy-gait-stem-cells-plantar-fasciitis

B. iTunes link:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gait-guys-podcast/id559864138

C. Gait Guys online /download store (National Shoe Fit Certification and more !) :

http://store.payloadz.com/results/results.aspx?m=80204

D. other web based Gait Guys lectures:

www.onlinece.com type in Dr. Waerlop or Dr. Allen, ”Biomechanics”

________________________________________

* Today’s show notes:

Neuroscience:

1. Stem cells and plantar fasciitis.

http://www.webpronews.com/plantar-fasciitis-now-being-treated-with-stem-cells-2013-12

2. Study finds axon regeneration after Schwann cell graft to injured spinal cord

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/270623.php

3.Future Tiny Robots Will Communicate Using Only Molecules

http://www.fastcoexist.com/3020657/futurist-forum/future-tiny-robots-will-communicate-using-only-molecules?partner=rss

Correction:

a. I was listening to pod 49, great job. I am sending a personal message to point out an error regarding body composition. Under water weighing is considered the 2 compartment “Gold Standard” however caliper testing is used more due to cost and ability to be used in the field. Loved the learning stuff I sent some stuff similar to what you were talking about to the school administration but it went no where.
Thanks guys, Mark

b. Mark wrote: “I can see widening base of support to increase stability when one is weak but to widen base of support when one has decreased traction may increase slipping depending on width of stance couldn’t it. If decreased traction is a issue wouldn’t a better statagy”

Blog reader:

Not very infrequently the foot tripod has been discussed. Especially the importance of the medial tripod (MT) has been of great benefit to me. Some kind of a peroneus paralysis was probably the cause of weak MT of the right foot. With a weak anterior muscle group or compartment. But what about the lateral tripod, ie the 5th distal end of the fifth metatarsal. Which muscles are most responsible for the foot stability here and what kind of exercises might be of therapeutic value? Thank you.

The Curious Case of the Miscalibrated Treadmill
http://www.runnersworld.com/cold-weather-running/the-curious-case-of-the-miscalibrated-treadmill

Disclaimer

Gait Guys online /download store (National Shoe Fit Certification and more !) :

http://store.payloadz.com/results/results.aspx?m=80204

Dear Gait Guys,

I’ve had a problem for a while where my lower left leg whips across the midline of my body at the start of the swing phase. This happens immediately after my left foot leaves the ground and before my right foot makes contact. My left knee seems to be angled outward, and I think this is due to some sort of external rotation of the hip or femur during the the early part of my swing phase. I attached a picture to illustrate this problem in my gait. I recently came across a blog post you guys wrote (http://thegaitguys.tumblr.com/post/14262793786/gait-problem-the-solitary-externally-rotated) and under the possibilities as to why there isn’t enough internal rotation, the second option describes exactly what happens when I run. So my question is, what can be done to correct this improper gait pattern? Thank you very much for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely,

Matthew

Why There’s Nothing Wrong with a Bouncy Stride
http://sportbiomech.blogspot.com/2013/12/why-theres-nothing-wrong-with-bouncy.html

Are Bouncy Running Strides More Economical?
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/are-bouncy-running-strides-more-economical

Between a quarter and a third of everything on the web is copied from somewhere else

http://qz.com/159350/between-a-quarter-and-a-third-of-everything-on-the-web-is-copied-from-somewhere-else/

January 09, 2014 January 09, 2014/ The Gait Guys

So you want to do a Gait Analysis: Part 2

This is the second in a multi part series. If you missed part 1, click here.

We have been exploring the gait cycle, one step (literally) at a time. A quick review of the walking gait cycle components:

There are two phases of gait: stance and swing.

Stance consists of:

Initial contact
Loading response
Midstance
Terminal stance
Pre-swing

Swing phase:

initial (early) swing
mid swing
terminal (late) swing

today, lets explore Loading Response

we remember that Loading response occurs when there is eight bearing on the loaded extremity from initial contact. This continues until the opposite foot is lifted for swing.

Lets look at what is happening here at the major anatomical areas:

Foot

Pronation begins: This is when the proverbial “rubber hits the road” occurs. Hopefully the coefficient of friction of the heel with the ground is great enough that pronation of the midfoot begins. As the calcaneus slows, the talus slides anteriorly and plantar flexes, adducts and everts, unlocking the subtalar joint and (hopefully) moving toward making its axis parallel with the calcaneo cuboid joint at midstance (more of that next time).

because of this motion, the calcaneus everts approximately 5°

both of these motions serve to lower the center of gravity of the leg, deepening the ankle mortise to provide more stability to the ankle

Both of these motions (especially adduction of the talus) initiate internal rotation of tibia and lower leg

these actions are attenuated by eccentric action of both the long flexors and extensors of the ankle, as well as the foot intrinsics

Ankle

The ankle plantar flexes 5-10 °. This motion is attenuated by eccentric action of the anterior compartment muscles of the lower leg
this serves to absorb shock (remember pronation is a shock absorber? if not, see here)

Ankle rocker occurs (click here for a review of the rockers of the foot)

Knee

Flexion to 20°. This is attenuated largely by the quadriceps, contracting eccentrically

Hip

The hip is at full flexion at loading response and now begins to extend. This is facilitated by a brief contraction of the gluteus maximus (which started at initial contact)

Starting to see what is happening? Can you understand why you need to know what is going on at each phase to be able to identify problems?

We are The Gait Guys. Two geeks spreading the word. WE appreciate your help doing the same.

January 07, 2014 January 07, 2014/ The Gait Guys

So you want to do a gait analysis? Part 1

From casual observation to a computer driven model, before you can know what may be wrong with a gait, you need to know what is right. Knowing what is happening at each phase of the gait cycle is essential. This series will explore just that and provide you with an overview of what should be happening.

Let’s begin with a typical walking gait cycle. There are two phases: stance and swing. It comprises approximately 62 percent of the gait cycle.¹ Jaqueline Perry^2,3 uses this descriptive classification to describe stance phase:

Initial contact: When the foot first touches the floor.
Loading response: Weight bearing on the loaded extremity from initial contact and continues until the opposite foot is lifted for swing.
Midstance: The first half of single-limb support, beginning when the opposite foot is lifted until weight is over the forefoot.
Terminal stance: Begins with heel rise and continues until the opposite foot strikes the ground.
Pre-swing: When initial contact of the opposite extremity begins and toe-off ends.

Swing phase is divided into 3 parts

initial (early) swing: when the extremity is being accelerated just after pre swing; this action initiates supination in the opposite, stance phase leg
mid swing: largely passive
terminal (late) swing: when the extremity is being actively decelerated, largely through eccentric action of the muscles

How about we start with initial contact, commonly called “heel strike”.

Heel strike, a traumatic deceleration event with the transfer of weight from one extremity to the other, creates shock, which must be attenuated. This is accomplished by four distinct mechanisms:

Ankle plantar flexion: At heel strike, followed by eccentric contraction of the pretibial muscles to decelerate foot fall.
Subtalar pronation: As the coefficient of friction between the calcaneus and the ground increases, the talus slides anterior on the calcaneus while plantar flexing, adducting and everting. This motion causes concomitant internal rotation of the lower leg. Both these actions cause a time delay, allowing force to be absorbed over a longer period of time.
Knee flexion: This is a reaction to the heel rocker, forward motion of the tibia, and passive tension in the posterior compartment. It is slowed by eccentric contraction of the quadriceps, with the abdominals acting as a primary anchor.
Contralateral pelvic drop: This is decelerated by the ipsilateral hip abductors (primarily gluteus medius) and lateral chain, as defined by Myers.⁴ It occurs as weight is suddenly dropped on the contralateral limb.

What is happening biomechanically? Lets look at the major anatomical areas:

Foot

the foot should be supinated at this point, as it should be from preswing. It is dorsiflexed, inverted and adducted.

Ankle

The ankle should be neutral or slightly dorsiflexed

Knee

the knee is usually neutral or slightly flexed and the thigh and leg externally rotated approximately 4-6 degrees

The heel strike hip should be flexed 20-30° and the lumbar spine neutral; the opposite hip should be extended 20-30° and equal to the amount of flexion present in the initial contact hip.

Today, look for aberrances at initial contact in your clients and patients. Knowing what is normal is the 1st step toward knowing what isn’t. Got it?

Next post in this series (not necessarily our next post) will cover loading response.

Ivo and Shawn

Root MC, Orion WP, Weed JH. Normal and Abnormal Function of the Foot. Los Angeles: Clinical Biomechanics, 1977.
Perry J. Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathological Function. Thorofare, NJ: Slack 1992.
The Pathokinesiology Service and the Physical Therapy Department. Observational Gait Analysis. Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, CA, 2001.
Myers TW. Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists. Elsevier: 2001.

January 06, 2014 January 06, 2014/ The Gait Guys

Singer Songwriter Jewel and her knee hyperextension.
One of our favorite television shows is “Alaska: The Last Frontier”. What some of you might not know is that the show is about Singer Songwriter Jewel’s family, the Kilchers. Ye… — Singer Songwriter Jewel and her knee hyperextension.

One of our favorite television shows is “Alaska: The Last Frontier”. What some of you might not know is that the show is about Singer Songwriter Jewel’s family, the Kilchers. Yes, Her name is Jewel Kilcher. The theme to the show is written and sung by Jewel and her father Atz Kilcher. The Kilcher’s are tough folk who live off the grid (mostly) and maintain a subsistence living off the land in Alaska.

Use the photo above to help you clearly understand what we are talking about in this video here (link) where we see Jewel and her dad getting ready to sing the show’s theme. In this video, Jewel is in some insanely high heeled shoes and being the gait geeks that we are we could not help but notice the degree of knee hyperextension she was displaying.

What can we extrapolate from this genu recurvatum / hyper extension knee posturing ?:

We are going to keep it to things from pelvis down or we will be here all day.

**Anterior pelvis tilt.** She appears to be sitting back into her pelvis so to speak, doing so we can see an increased lumbar lordosis pressing the pelvis anterior. In many cases combine this with suspect weak lower abdominals and the pelvis drops in the front. This position is often met with isometric contraction of the gluteals helping to maintain the forward/anterior shifted pelvis.

The above, will create an abnormal (possibly increased) tensile load on the hamstrings since the ischeal tuberosities are being drawn cephalad (up). This can create a net posterior shift of the knee joint since she is in relative hip extension, the pelvis is often also translated forward into the sagittal plane pushing the head of the femur into anterior glide into the front of the acetabulum.

The knees are often locked into hyperextension. This will create meniscal tensions and certainly cause increased patellofemoral pressures. This can also create the rarely diagnosed, but often present, anteriormeniscofemoral impingement syndrome. In this type of presentation the anterior compressive forces are so great compared to what should be balanced forces around the entire joint that the superior leading edge of the anterior mensicus (can affect medial or lateral menisci) begins to become impinged and irritated as the femur rolls and translates too far anterior. You have to know it exists to make the diagnosis.

She will be in ankle plantarflexion because of the footwear instead of balancing the tibia neutrally over the talus. The tibia will rest on the posterior talus. If constant, the plantarflexion means shorter posterior compartment (gastroc-soleus) and usually weak anterior compartment (tibialis anterior and long extensors of toes). If she is a runner we bet shin splints were on her holiday list of things to resolve.

These are just the sagittal plane flaws we can assume. There are more but this is plenty to think about right now.

Remember, these are just assumptions. Like in video analysis, anything you pic up on film is just a compensation. It does not tell you what you have wrong until you can test them for neuromuscular integrity and motor pattern assessments. Do not hang your hat on photos or video analysis. Do the extra work that is required. After all, you know where ASSUMPTIONS get us.

The Gait Guys.

Shawn and Ivo

January 03, 2014

Podcast 50: Lactate Thresholds, Fartleks ? & more.

January 03, 2014/ The Gait Guys

A. Link to our server:

http://thegaitguys.libsyn.com/pod-50

B. iTunes link:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gait-guys-podcast/id559864138

C. Gait Guys online /download store (National Shoe Fit Certification and more !) :

http://store.payloadz.com/results/results.aspx?m=80204

D. other web based Gait Guys lectures:

www.onlinece.com type in Dr. Waerlop or Dr. Allen, ”Biomechanics”

________________________________________

* Today’s show notes:

Neuroscience

1. Yes, this is dog: No More Woof aims to translate canine thoughts into human speech
http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/18/no-more-woof-indiegogo-concept-dog-headset/

2. Foot Drop solution ?

http://www.walkaide.com/en-US/Pages/default.aspx

3. Mini Implantable Microscopes to Watch Living Cells Inside the Body
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/med-tech/mini-implantable-microscopes-to-watch-living-cells-inside-the-body-16286695?%3Fsrc=rss

4. Gait Talk:

How Your Running Form Changes During Long Runs and Easy Runs
http://www.formbeforefootwear.com/how-your-running-form-changes-during-long-runs-and-easy-runs/

4B . Lactate Threshold Talk

5. Footprints of the gait gods.

6. Fascial NeuroBiology: An explanation for possible manual therapy treatment effects «
http://www.thebodymechanic.ca/2012/10/28/fascial-neurobiology-an-explanation-for-possible-manual-therapy-treatment-effects/

7. National Shoe Fit Certification Program

The Clown Shoe That’s Changing Minimalist Running
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/footwear/Sole-Power-Nicolas-Mermoud-Minimalist-Running.html

8. Email:

Hi Guys -
I’m based in the UK. I’ve been running again for a year. I upped to 35 miles per week a month ago (from 25/30) and two weeks later I was injured with an inflamed piriformis muscle (it’s not syndrome). The pain is on my left side. I have a weaker gluteus medius on my left side. I did also put a chainsaw through my right inner thigh near the knee (it fell short of the bone and main artery in the leg) when i was 18 (i am now 40) - which may also have something to do with my question, but maybe not.
When I run, my right foot points outward during my right foot’s swing phase (but it lands straight). I can’t find an answer anywhere: is my outward pointing right foot perhaps the cause of the piriformis inflammation, and if so, how do i correct my foot movement during the swing phase? Help!!!
Weirdly, i have been obsessing about it for months but cannot correct it, and because of that I’ve noticed that a number of other people have from the same problem.

* Disclaimer

10 . How Does Foam Rolling Work? And Why “SMR” Should be Called “SMT” | Bret Contreras
http://bretcontreras.com/how-does-foam-rolling-work-and-why-smr-should-be-called-smt/

11. Behold The ‘Strength Axle’

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/eye-performance/201312/strength-axle-craig-thompson-core-training-fitness-innovation

January 02, 2014 January 02, 2014/ The Gait Guys

Orthotics and Foot beds, What’s the Difference?

Welcome to rewind Friday Folks. Here is an oldie but a goodie, with lots of great information. Rememeber; if you use or prescribe orthotics, hopefully you are using exercises as well and hopefully, th… — **Orthotics and Foot beds, What’s the Difference?**

Welcome to rewind Friday Folks. Here is an oldie but a goodie, with lots of great information. Rememeber; if you use or prescribe orthotics, hopefully you are using exercises as well and hopefully, the prescription is changing over time and you are removing correction from the device!

Orthotics and footbeds, they’re the same thing, right? This is a question that is often posed to us. No, they’re not the same, but oftentimes one or the other can be appropriate. To explain the difference, we need to understand a little bit about foot mechanics.

The foot is a biomechanical marvel. It is composed of 26 bones and 31 articulations or joints. The bones and joints work together in concert to propel us through the earth’s gravitational field. It is a dynamic structure that is constantly moving and changing with its environment, whether it is in or out of footwear. Problems with the bones or joints of the foot, or the forces that pass through them, can interfere with this symbiosis and create problems which we call diagnoses. They can range from bunions, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, TFL syndrome, abnormal patellar tracking, and lower back pain just to name a few.

Before we go any further, we should talk a little bit about gait (ie walking pattern). Normal walking can be divided into 2 phases, *stance and swing*. *Stance* is the time that your foot is in contact with the ground. This is when problems usually occur. *Swing* is the time the opposite, non weight bearing foot is in the air.

The bones of the foot go through a series of movements while we are in stance phase called *pronation and supination*. *Pronation* is when your arch collapses slightly, to make your foot more flexible and able to absorb irregularities in the ground; this is supposed to happen right after your heel hits the ground. As your foot pronates, the leg rotates inward, which causes your knee to rotate in, which causes your thigh to rotate in, which causes you spine to flex forward. *Supination* is when your foot reforms the arch and makes your foot a rigid lever, to help you propel yourself; This is supposed to happen when you are pushing off with your toes to move forward. It is at this time that the entire process reverses itself, and your leg, knee, and thigh rotate outward and your spine extends backward. When these movements don’t occur, or more often, occur too much, is when problems arise. This can be due to many reasons, such as lack of movement between your foot bones (subluxation), muscle tightness, injury, inflammation, and so on.

Many people over pronate, due to incompetence of the intrinsic musculature of the lower kinetic chain, genetics, environmental factors or injuries. This means that their arch stays collapsed too long while in stance phase, and they remain pronated while trying to push off. As we discussed, during pronation the foot is a poor lever. This means you need to overwork to propel yourself forward. This can create arch pain, inflammation on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascitis), abnormal pressure on your foot bones (metatarsalgia), knee pain, hip pain and back pain.

Lets look at skiing. Skiing is a stance phase sport. While skiing, your foot stays relatively immobile in a ski or snowboard boot (i.e. it is not moving through a gait cycle). A footbed is designed to create a level surface for your feet and keep them in a neutral posture. It accomplishes this by “bringing the ground up to your foot.” They are generally custom designed to an individuals foot through many different methods. They work incredibly well (as long as the foot remains in a static posture) and many people extol the benefits and improvements in their respective sports when using these.

Orthotics are *alway*s custom made devices. They actually improve the mechanics of your foot (or give you mechanics you didn’t have before) and make it function more efficiently by altering the shape and function of the arch as the foot moves through various activities. They act like a footbed but have the added benefit of functioning while dynamic (i.e. moving) as well. This works as well or better than a footbed, and is usable in other sporting activities, such as Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, running, or biking. Many people use their orthotic in their everyday shoes, to help prevent some of the problems and symptoms they are experiencing. It should be emphasized that an orthotic IS NOT a substitution for competent musculature. We view them as an aid to assist the rehabilitation process; slowly pulling out correction as the biomechanical competence improves. We like to call this “Orthotic Therapy”.

In summary, a footbed supports the foot in a neutral posture. It is great for activities where your foot is static or held in one position. An orthotic supports the foot in a neutral posture and improves the mechanical function of the foot. It can be used in static or dynamic activities. Remember to always consult with a professional who is well versed with the mechanics of the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back, since footbeds and orthotics have a profound effect on all these structures.

Orthotics and footbeds; they can be great assistive devices along the road to foot competence. And they can be great doorstops when you are done using them!

We are and remain..The Gait Guys.

January 01, 2014 January 01, 2014/ The Gait Guys

Movement, can it make us better Humans ?

This will be the first blog post you read from us … for 2014. Happy New year wishes to you all !

This is a rehash of some old stuff, and some new, it seemed to bring together many good points and thoughts of our work this year. We hope you agree.

We have an amazing video for you today, a testament to how amazing the human frame is and how amazing movement can be. But first … . it has been an amazing year for both of us here at The Gait Guys. Through this year, we have bridged further chasms. Our podcasts went into high gear and we were blessed to know our voices spanned the miles into 70 countries. The National Shoe Fit Certification Program went into overdrive and sales were beyond our expectations. We blogged 2-3 times a week and tried to launch a weekly podcast for another method to reach the world. We added some new videos and have made plans for more. We have finally finished the Foot and Gait Retraining DVD itinerary and now just need studio time to record, it looks like it could be 2-3 DVD project. We also made many new friends while learning much on our own end in our relentless research and readings. We appreciate every one of you who has followed us, and we thank you for your friendship.

As we find ourselves here at the end of another year, it is normal to look back and see our path to growth but to look forward to plan for ways to further develop our growth. Many of you who read our blog are runners, but many of you are in one way or another involved with a sport or activity that incorporates running and gait. Hey, we all walk ! Even in the video above the dancers are seen running and walking. What we mean is that many of you are coaches or trainers or movement experts who develop those who run or move in one way or another in various sports, but many of you are also in the medical field helping those to run and move to get out of pain or improve performance. And still yet we have discovered that some of you are in the fields of bodywork such as yoga, pilates, dance, martial arts and movement therapies. It is perhaps these fields that we at The Gait Guys are least experienced at (but are learning) and like many others we find ourselves drawn to that which we are unaware and wish to know more in the hope that it will expand and improve that which we do regularly. For many of you that is also likely the case. For example, since a number of you are runners we would bet to say that you have taken up yoga or pilates or cross training to improve your running and to reduce or manage injuries or limitations in your body. But why stop there ? So, here today, we will try to slowly bring you full circle into other fields of advanced movement. As you can see in this modern dance video above the grace, skill, endurance, strength, flexibility and awareness are amazing and beautiful. Wouldn’t you like to see them in a sporting event ? Wouldn’t you like to see them run ? Aren’t you at least curious ? Their movements are so effortless. Are yours in your chosen sport ? How would they be at soccer for example ? How would they be at gymnastics ? Martial arts ? Do you know that some of the greatest martial artists were first dancers ? Did you know that Bruce Lee was the Cha Cha Dance Champion of Hong Kong ? He is only one of many. Dance, martial arts, gymnastics … all some of the most complex body movements that exist. And none of them are simple, some taking decades to master, if that, but most of which none of us can do. In 2014 we will continue to expand your horizons of these advanced movement practices as our horizons expand. We plan to return to dance again to advance our thinking of foot and body movements, incorporating many aspects into our treatment and exercise regimens, and now that we have a year of jiu jitsu under our belts it is time to consider add the sport of Parkour. Why not add this knowledge to your repertoire ? Many of our athletes do not even know that much of their exercise homework is from basic dance principles, until we tell them at the end of a session. There is a reason why some of the best athletes in the NBA, NFL and other sports have turned to almost secret study of dance and martial arts because there is huge value in it. Look at any gymnast, martial artist or dancer. Look at their body, their posture, their grace. It is as if their bodies know something that ours do not. And so, in 2014 The Gait Guys will dive even deeper into these professions to learn principles and bring them back to you. After all, everything we do is about movement. Movement is after all what keeps the brain alive and learning.

Below are excerpts from a great article from Kimerer Lamothe, PhD. She wrote a wonderful article in Psychology Today a few years ago on her experience with McDougall’s book “Born to Run” and how she translated it into something more. At some point, take the time to read her whole article. But do not cut yourself short now, you only have a little more reading below, take the next 2 minutes, it might change something in your life.

We leave you now with our 2013 gratitude for this great growing brethren and community that is unfolding here at The Gait Guys. We have great plans for 2014 so stay with us, grow with us, and continue to learn and improve your own body and those that you work with. Again, read Kimerer’s most excellent excerpts below, for now, and watch the amazing body demonstrations in the video above. It will be worth it.

_____________________

Can Running Make us Better Humans ?….. excerpts from the artcle by Kimerer LaMothe.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-body-knows/201109/can-running-make-us-better-humans

“The Tarahumara are not only Running People, they are also Dancing People. Like other people who practice endurance running, such as the Kalahari Kung, dancing occupies a central place in Tarahumara culture. Or at least, it has. The Tarahumara dance to pray, to celebrate life passages, to mark seasonal and religious events. They dance outside where Father God and Mother Moon can see, in patterns consisting of steps and shuffles, taps and hops, performed in a line or a circle with others. And they dance the night before a long running race, while the native corn beer, or tesguino flows.

While McDougall notes the irony of “partying” the night before a race, he doesn’t ask the question: might the dancing actually serve the running? Might it be that the Tarahumara dance in order to run—to ensure the success of their run—for themselves and for the community?

At the very least, the fact that the Tarahumara dance when and how they do is evidence that they live in a world where bodily movement matters. They believe that how they move their bodies matters to who they are and to how life happens. They have survived as a people by adapting their traditional method of endurance hunting (running animals to exhaustion) to the challenges of fleeing Spanish invaders, accessing inaccessible wilderness, and staying in touch with one another while scattered throughout its canyons. As McDougall notes, they have kept alive an ancient genetic human heritage: to love running is to love life, for running enables life.

Yet McDougall is also clear: even the Tarahumara are not born knowing how to run. Like all humans, they must learn. Even though human bodies are designed to flourish when subject to the stresses of long distance loping, we still need to learn how to coordinate our limbs to allow that growth to happen. We must learn to run with head up, carriage straight, and toes reaching for the ground. We must land softly and roll inwardly, before snapping our heels behind us. We must learn to glide—easy, light, smooth—uphill and down, breathing through it all. How do we learn?

How do we learn to run? We learn by paying attention to other people, and taking note of the movements they are making. We learn by cultivating a sensory awareness of our own movements, noting the pain and pleasure they produce, and finding ways to adjust. We learn by creating and becoming patterns of movement that release our energy boldly and efficiently across space. We learn, in a word, by dancing.

While dancing, people open up their sensory selves and play with movement possibilities. The rhythm marks a time and space of exploration. Moving with another heightens the energy available for it. Learning and repeating sequences of steps exercises a human’s most fundamental creativity, operating at a sensory level, that enables us to learn to make any movement in any realm of endeavor with precision and grace. Even the movements of love. Dancing, people affirm for themselves and with each other that movement matters.

In this sense, dancing before the night of a running race makes perfect sense. Moving in time with one another, stepping and stretching in proximity to one another, the Tarahumara would affirm what is true for them: they learn from one another how to run. They learn to run for one another. They run with one another. And when they race, they give each other the chance to learn how to be the best that they each can be, for the good of all.

It may be that the dancing is what gives the running its meaning, and makes it matter.

Yet the link with dance suggests another response as well. In order for running to emerge in human practice as something we are born to do, we need a culture that values movement—that is, we need a general appreciation that and how the bodily movements we make matter. It is an appreciation that our modern western culture lacks.

Those of us raised in the modern west grow up in human-built worlds. We wake up in static boxes, packed with still, stale air, largely impervious to wind and rain and light. We pride ourselves at being able to sit while others move food, fuel, clothing, and other goods for us. We train ourselves not to move, not to notice movement, and not to want to move. We are so good at recreating the movement patterns we perceive that we grow as stationary as the walls around us (or take drugs to help us).

Yet we are desperate for movement, and seek to calm our agitated senses by turning on the TV, checking email, or twisting the radio dial to get movement in a frame, on demand. It isn’t enough. Without the sensory stimulation provided by the experiences of moving with other people in the infinite motility of the natural world, we lose touch with the movement of our own bodily selves. We forget that we are born to dance and run and run and dance.

The movements that we make make us. We feel the results. Riddled with injury and illness, paralyzed by fears, and dizzy with exhaustion, our bodily selves call us to remember that where, how, and with whom we move matters. We need to remember that how we move our bodies matters to the thoughts we think, the feelings we feel, the futures we can imagine, and the relationships we can create with ourselves, one another, and the earth.

Without this consciousness, we won’t be able to appreciate what the Tarahumara know: that the dancing and the running go hand in hand as mutually enabling expressions of a worldview in which movement matters.”

Thanks for a great article Kimerer. (entire article here)http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-body-knows/201109/can-running-make-us-better-humans

*oh, and want a little more of these performers in the video, check this out……. it will move you.

http://youtu.be/CvQBUccxBr4

Wishing a Happy New Year to you all, from our hearts……. Shawn and Ivo

The Gait Guys