Tibialis Anterior

This course describes the anatomy and integrated function of the tibialis anterior muscle (a.k.a. anterior tibialis, shin muscle, anterior leg muscle, ant tib, tib ant, or T.A. muscle). This muscle originates on the anterior side of the tibia, and the tibialis anterior tendon inserts (anterior tibialis insertion) on the medial and plantar surface of the foot (medial cuneiform and first metatarsal). The muscle is composed of a much larger percentage of type I muscle fibers than type II muscle fibers, and it is innervated by the deep fibular nerve. The tibialis anterior muscle lies within the anterior compartment, the tibialis anterior tendon crosses the ankle joints and transverse tarsal joints of the foot. Because of the superficial location of this muscle in the anterior compartment, a little resisted dorsiflexion will result in a visible contraction of the tibialis anterior on the shin, and tautness of the tibialis anterior tendon on the anterior side of the ankle.

This muscle is the primary dorsiflexor of the ankle, will contribute to the inversion of the ankle, and is an important supinator of the foot. This course also describes the role of the tibialis anterior on ankle (talocrural) joint arthrokinematics, fascial integration (plantar fascia and the medial longitudinal arch of the foot), postural dysfunction (e.g. pes planus), and subsystem integration (e.g. deep longitudinal subsystem ). For example, this course discusses the synergistic function of the tibialis with the tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus (FHL), and how this synergy affects the posterior glide of the talus during supination of the foot.

Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) must be aware of the integrated function of the tibialis anterior for the detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing injury prevention and physical rehabilitation, including the treatment of tibialis anterior pain, pes planus (a.k.a. flat feet, flatfoot deformity, adult acquired flat foot, functional pes planus), tibialis anterior tendinopathy, shin splints (a.k.a. medial tibial stress syndrome), plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle impingement, and more serious injuries like tibialis anterior tendon tear, or muscle rupture. Further, this course aids in preparing for courses on tibialis anterior exercises and techniques for enhancing sports performance (e.g. ensuring ideal tibialis activity and strength for optimal foot and ankle joint stability, strength, power, and agility).

Additional Courses:

• Tibialis Anterior Exercises (Activation)

Additional Videos:

• Tibialis Anterior Isolated Activation (Dorsiflexion and Inversion)
• Tibialis Anterior Reactive Activation

Caption: The tibialis anterior running from the tibia to the foot