<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b> ...and the Subtalar Joint.</b></span></p>

<h2>A brief discussion....</h2>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">After reading about Kelly Starrett's suggestion of the 10 minute squat test I began to think about how it may be influenced by the rest of the body, &amp; in particular, in relation to the subtalar joint (STJ) since he mentions the forward foot position '...<em>to encourage STJ neutral.</em>.'</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Question: <b><i>What influences the STJ during a 10 minute squat test/exercise?</i></b></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">With our industry being taught common generic teaching points like '<em>toes inline with 2nd/3rd toe/centre foot'</em> I wanted to explore this concept for an ideal to gain a deeper level of understanding from the 'intrinsic' biomechanical view point.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">If the tibia's ideal positioning is true in your client then this teaching point would be correct, however if not then a different teaching point maybe required. The reason I noticed this was my own 'normal' tibial positioning when I tried to practice Starrett suggestion of ideal alignment, did not feel great at all. In fact it felt quite wrong to the point of being at risk!</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">If we consider that in anatomical terms, the tibia's typical natural alignment is with about 3-5 degrees of lateral rotation from the midline, maybe we should first discuss what influences this positioning from above &amp; below to therefore consider how many of us are in fact in this 'typical' start point. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">For example in a pronated foot, the STJ will make lateral rotation of the hip more challenging for a 'good' squat position. From the foot perspective the forward foot position is probably a good position but when considering the structures above the foot they could create secondary issues: i.e. rotated pelvis, resulting in a functional leg length difference or ligament dominance causing knee valgus.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">So all things considered there are several things that will influence the position on the STJ during the 10 minute squat test.  </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Then there's the question: <em><strong>Could practicing the 10 min squat mobilise the STJ if it were considered to be stiff?</strong></em></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">The STJ moves through 3 planes, the 10 min squat coached with the feet forward simply takes it through the sagittal plane which would therefore encourage dorsi flexion of the STJ. However if you are looking for more all round mobility, the other 2 planes would need to be considered. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"><b>So to conclude in brief</b>: To make a decision as to whether to practice the 10 minute squat with a forward foot position we must first assess pelvic biomechanics. Pelves will be as diverse as any other body part so its maybe advisable to consider this when coaching clients to squat. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Also in this instance, being able to assess the laxity of the STJ, would give us the advantage of a measured start point to help us best advise our clients on foot angle along with the hip width &amp; even squat depth.</span></p>
Finally I agree with Starrett when it comes to practising positions, movements or shapes we dont do enough of or maybe even at all, to improve movement however we will always need to consider the entire picture, the integrated system, the whole client &amp; all the things that influence them before we accept any quick fix....right?
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">COMING SOON....... feet &amp; footwear! </span></p>
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