The human footprint and it’s application to assessment and restoration of foot structure and function

The human foot and the function of it’s arches, joints and muscles have long been subjects of scientific and clinical interest. The standard, external evaluation of the foot conducted in clinical settings provides little insight into foot function during movement or it’s structural integrity under load. In comparison, the human footprint provides a wealth of biomechanical data relating to the foot’s interaction with the ground, the forces and pressures it encounters and it’s capacity to provide stability, shock absorption and propulsion during gait. The ability to record and interpret the human footprint by means of a ‘Harris mat’ or ‘pedograph’ provides clinicians, coaches and therapists with a simple but effective method to assess the form and function of the human foot.

Course Goals and Objectives

• Education re: the functional significance of Foot type, Arch type, Hallux angle and plantar pressures and how to collect and interpret this information
• Introduction to the ‘Foot Map’ (pedograph) and hands-on experience of setting up and recording footprints
• Application of this information to client footwear education and exercise prescription

Monday Morning you will be able to:

• Assess your clients/patients foot type, arch type, hallux angle and plantar pressures using the Foot Map system
• Provide biomechanical counselling and prescribe exercises to restore foot function based on the Foot Map assessment
• Educate your clients/patients re: the influence of footwear on foot function and provide functional footwear advice
• Apply to become listed as a certified Functional Foot Map practitioner

Course Outline

Saturday

• 09:00-11:00 – Theory: Foot function and the human footprint
• 11;00-12:00 – Practical: Footprint analysis
• 12:00 Lunch Break
• 13:00-15:00 – Practical: Footprint analysis case studies
• 15:00-17:00 – Theory: Functional and dysfunctional footwear

Sunday

• 09:00-10:00 – Theory: The Functional Foot Map System
• 10:00-12:00 –  Practical: Applying the Functional Foot Map System
• 12:00 –  Lunch Break
• 13:00-16:00 –  Practical: Applying the Functional Foot Map System  and prescribing corrective exercises
• 16:00-17:00 –  Q & A and next steps

Speaker

Lee Saxby is the creator of the ‘Functional Foot map’ and co-founder of ‘myfootfunction.com’. The Functional Foot Map system is based on Lee’s extensive experience as a coach and consultant for athletes, researchers and shoe brands interested in the potential benefits of barefoot running and natural foot function. The list of people and brands that have benefited from Lee’s coaching methods and unique approach to restoring foot function include Chris MacDougall the author of the best-selling ‘Born to Run’, the ‘barefoot professor’ Dan Lieberman of Harvard University and the shoe brands ‘Vivobarefoot’ and ‘Joe Nimble’.