The Gait Guys Podcast #2 (S1E2)

PODCAST #2: Topic list and Listener Questions:

1. ARTICLE OF THE DAY:

Nantel J, Brochu M, Prince F    Locomotor strategies in obese and non obese children  Obesity (Silver Spring). 2006 Oct;14(10):1789-94.

We are constantly talking about abnormal gluteal firing patterns. Compensatory patterns can begin in childhood.  "This led obese children to significantly decrease the mechanical work done by the hip extensors during weight acceptance and significantly increase the mechanical work done by the hip flexors compared with non-obese children."
Compensation patterns start early. Central pattern generators (CPG’s) for locomotion most likely exist in the lower thoracic or lumbar cord and are adaptable to sensory input. They receive input from the brainstem (where there are many relay nuclei, like the inferior olive) and the environment to keep the network regulated. Like any neural network, repetition of a particular pathway leads to axon collateralization and neural learning (much like beating a path from walking through a field), with facilitation (or preferential use) of that pathway in future similar experiences.
We have alot more to say about this, tune into the podcast !


2. On the blog you have seen a recent weekly topic trend on foot types. We are preparing you for the release of our 3 part DVD program to help you all. We have a physicians program we are working on as well.
Understanding where these foot type issues origninated from will help you get better at this game.

3. EMAIL FROM A COACH:

Hi Guys:
Now that i have been following your work on the web for a year i have become very aware of a small twist in the rear foot of many of my runners.  It occurs immediately at heel rise/heel lift when the run. I can even see it when they walk.  Instead of the heel rising purely off the ground progressing nicely to the forefoot loading phase it is as if they spin on the ball of the foot turning it out and thus forcing the heel to spin inwards/medially.  I have heard you loosely call this "putting out a cigarette butt" foot motion which is a great visual descriptor. 
My question......... what insight do you have on this problem ? My runners whom i draw their attention to it suddenly realize it.  Any suggestions ? I know it is not normal, i know it is wasting economy and time which is not good for any runner and i know most people do it. I walk through the malls and see it everywhere.  Maybe it is normal ? 

4. Topic: We talk about S. E. S. today. Developing Skill, Endurance, Strength.  And why they must occur in this order.

5. EMAIL CASE

 This one comes from Lisa in Fresno, California

 I am desperately need the help of a gait expert.   A little over a year ago I started an exercise program and began walking on the treadmill.  Within a month I had developed what I thought was plantar fasciitis.  I thought it might go away on its own, but it didn’t.  By June I had consulted a podiatrist.  He tried rest strapping and a couple steroid injections but nothing helped.  I have custom made orthotics, but wearing them was torture and . . . .

 

6. EMAIL CASE
I've been going to physio therapists for a while with lower back and posture problems, which I now think are related to how I walk (duck footed). So far the only thing I have really got from this would be a nice massage.
What kind of professional or practioner should I see about correcting issues like this?
Thanks very much, MIKE

7. EMAIL CASE
Hello Gait Guys,

In the past, I have sprained my left ankle in which has led me to think that this is the cause for me having a flat foot.

This in turn has led me to having problems around the knee and the hip.

Are there any exercises I can do to improve my medial arch? 

If there are videos that you are selling to teach how to deal with this problem, could you link me to it?

Sincerely, Zachary

 

8. Today we discuss the youtube video: 

The foot tripod: the importance of the toe extensors in raising the arch. Also read our blog post ( February 16th, 2012 blog post for more).

Type these words into the seach box on YOUTUBE:  "gait guys foot tripod"

9.  EMAIL CASE:

Hi There,

My name is Damien and i am writing you from Ireland. I’ve watched a lot of your videos online on YouTube. They are amazing. Congratulations on such a great and informative service. It’s so refreshing seeing people want to diagnose and fix feet rather than putting insoles or arch supports in place.

 Reason for Writing·         The reason I’m writing is that I have a problem with my left foot. Specifically, I have a corn under the outside ball of my left foot (basically about 1 inch back from my baby toe). I had the corn removed twice in the last 4 months, but the area is still pretty sore when I run/cycl

·         I seem to have very poor control of my toes also (based on your video Foot Hallux - Big Toe & Extensors). See pictures above of my toes fully flexed up. I guess I’m getting up about 20 to 30 degrees, whereas in your video you are getting up about 70 or 80 degrees. So I can barely get the long extensor up, and I can’t really get to the short extensor at all.

·         I’m not sure if I suffer from ankle rocker (I think I have a tight calf-posterior compartment). It’s hard for me to diagnose this scientifically at home. Or is it a problem with weakness of my metatarsals, or a weak arch/tripod, or a combination of all of the above.

Thank you for your time.

 Best Regards,

Damien