Abstract
The unique architecture of the foot system provides a sensitive, multi-tensional method of communicating with the surrounding environment. Within the premise of the paper, we discuss three themes: complexity, degeneracy and bio-tensegrity. Complex structures within the foot allow the human movement system to negotiate strategies for dynamic movement during athletic endeavours. We discuss such complex structures with particular attention to properties of a bio-tensegrity system. Degeneracy within the foot structure offers a distinctive solution to the problems posed by differing terrains and uneven surfaces allowing lower extremity structures to overcome perturbation as and when it occurs. This extraordinary structure offers a significant contribution to bipedalism through presenting a robust base of support and as such, should be given more consideration when designing athletic development programmes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 15-20 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Human Movement |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- bio-tensegrity
- degeneracy
- foot
- robustness