Subtalar movement during gait

• pronates during loading response

• supinates during midstance and terminal stance

Ankle and subtalar joint motion during gait (after Wright, Desai, & Henderson, 1964; Mcpoil & Knecht, 1985)

---

• a review of subtalar motion in a closed kinetic chain.

• a review of subtalar motion in an open kinetic chain.

• a more detailed discussion of subtalar mechanics during gait, authored by Stephen Pribut DPM, that includes a discussion of subtalar compensations for structural foot deformities.

References

McPoil, T.G., & Knecht, H.G. (1985). Biomechanics of the foot in walking: A function approach. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 7, 2:69-72.

Oatis, C.A. (1988). Biomechanics of the foot and ankle under static conditions. Physical Therapy, 68, 1815-1821.

This excellent discussion of the movement of each joint in the ankle-foot complex cuts through the sometimes confusing terminology which has grown around this part of the body.

Wright, D.G., Desai, S.M., Henderson, W.H. (1964). Action of the subtalar and ankle-joint complex during the stance phase of walking. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 46A, 361-382.

This classic article likens the mechanics of the ankle-subtalar complex to a universal joint like the one that comes with most automotive socket sets.

---

Last updated 4-2-01 Dave Thompson PT