Message #9760

[jim-ratliff]

I assume that most understand the PMTS use of the term "free foot" so I will mini hijack to interject some humor that is almost on point.

A physical therapist once described walking to me as balancing on one foot, then falling forward and catching yourself in balance on the other foot.? The more I thought about it, the more I came to appreciate the falling forward analogy (but it's not a static balance, its a balance while maintaining momentum). And, for runners, the direction of momentum is very important, coaches spend a fair amount of time making sure this balancing act supports forward momentum and minimizes sideways motions (and the sideways motions are a reflection of bad balance).

So anyway, every stride that I take I have a stance foot and a free foot.? The stance foot is the one I'm currently balancing on, but if my free foot isn't active and is just along for the ride, then when I "fall forward" for my next step there isn't going to be anything in place to catch me.? ?? (and I think that would be called a real "face plant".)?

Hmmm - wonder if this will elicit a response from Dr. Perry