Answers by renowned therapists, have included
the psoas and coccyx.
For me it would be the feet.
A bonus for me in teaching my Balance Enhancement and Fall Prevention Class has been the knowledge and importance this anatomical structure is any standing individual.
- It is our Base of Support in
standing and therefore an integral component of Balance and Fall
Prevention.
- In my clinical experience 95%
of falls are contributed to from foot and ankle dysfunction.
- 84 % of 65 year olds have
structural dysfunction in their feet.
- Individuals increase their
chances of sustaining and injury due to a fall by 2 times if they are
unable to perform 1 legged stance for 5 seconds.
- A person must have 8 degrees of
ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended and 10 degrees of motion with
the flexed to be at a decreased risk for falls.
- The Hallux and toes must have
90 degrees of extension is necessary for normal push off.
- It is the foundation of our
body. Misalignment at the foot will cause compensations and dysfunction up
the kinetic chain.
- By improving alignment at the
foot we can correct dysfunctions up the kinetic chain; knee, hip, pelvis,
etc...
- Proper functioning of the foot
is vital for efficient walking and any ADL's that is performed in
standing.
- Research shows that there is a
significant decrease in proprioception of the feet after 80 years of
age.
- We can halt the progression of
painful bunions, callouses and hammer toes as well as diminish the need
for orthotics.
