Understanding the Importance of Control Systems in Walking and Running:

 Insights from FootHouse Podiatry

At FootHouse Podiatry, we specialise in lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) biomechanics and gait analysis in walking and running. Our goal is to understand how various aspects of your mobility can affect not only your injury risk, injury recovery, and gait efficiency, but also your overall physical health and wellbeing, especially when addressing the specific concerns, you present to us. One significant area we consider is this whole picture is the control systems that govern walking and running.

 What Are Control Systems in Movement?

When we think about walking or running, it’s easy to focus solely on the mechanics—how the body moves and the forces acting on and within. However, it is essential to recognise that our movements are governed and moderated by sophisticated neuro-muscular control and feedback loop systems. These systems can be categorised into three primary types: proactive, reactive, and predetermined. Each plays a crucial role in how we navigate our world.

1. Predetermined Control: Humans and animals, it is proposed, have central pattern generators of gait formed in the neural networks of the central nervous system. This represents a set path or general pattern for movement. Think of it as the default mode your body uses when walking on flat ground or familiar terrain. It provides a baseline for how you move without having to consciously think about every step.

2. Reactive Control: This system comes into play when unexpected obstacles arise. It relies on feedback from internal sensors contained in your muscles, tendon, ligaments, and joints to adapt your movement in real time. For example, if you slip on ice, or stumble in a pothole, or trip on an uneven surface, your body and its neuromuscular system automatically responds to regain balance.

3. Proactive Control: Perhaps the most advanced of the three, proactive control combines feedback from both internal sensors and external data. It allows for planning and anticipating movements before they occur. For instance, a seasoned runner, using visual clues and earlier experience, might adjust their stride and expectations based on the terrain ahead, demonstrating an ability to analyse their environment and make split-second adaptive decisions.

 How We Apply These Concepts at FootHouse Podiatry

When you visit us at FootHouse Podiatry, we take account of all aspects of your walking and running gait. By considering and understanding the interplay between movement and control systems, we can tailor our approach to your unique needs to achieve optimum outcomes.

Assessment of Movement Patterns: Our gait analysis technology, which includes foot pressure mapping, 3D electronic gait analysis, and 2D video, along with clinical MSK evaluation, helps us identify how your movement and control systems are functioning. Are you relying more on predetermined patterns? Are you making reactive adjustments to help with stability and balance, or changing your gait in response to expected pain? This knowledge is vital for diagnosing and correctly addressing any underlying or potential issues.

Personalised Treatment Plans: Based on our assessments, we create individualised treatment plans that focus on enhancing your ability to be active in the way you need or anticipate for your goals. This might include targeted exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and often bespoke or customised foot orthotics to support your movement.

Ongoing Monitoring; As you progress, we monitor your progress, how you change and adapt to changes in your condition. Are you improving your feedback responses? Are your movements becoming more fluid? This reviewing process helps ensure that you achieve optimal functionality within your mechanical and adaptive limits.

In summary, at FootHouse Podiatry, we view you not just as a patient but as a dynamic individual whose movement intricacies tell a story. By considering the control systems behind walking and running, we can better address your specific concerns and help you lead a more active, healthy life. If you have questions about your gait or any painful or problematic lower limb issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to support you every step of the way!