Tibialis Posterior Exercises (Activation)
Tibialis posterior exercises for improving movement dysfunction, posture, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, ankle pain and sports performance. Great ankle plantar flexion and inversion exercises, hopping, and calf raise variations for the tibialis anterior.
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Course Description: Tibialis Posterior Exercises (Activation)
This course describes tibialis posterior exercises, commonly referred to as tibialis posterior activation. Performing plantar flexion of the ankle exercises, with the addition of ankle inversion and toe extension improves recruitment (isolation) of this important muscle. The tibialis posterior is the primary supinator of the foot, primary invertor of the ankle, and a strong plantar flexor of the ankle joint. It is common to include these exercises in a program designed to address feet flatten (pes planus) ; however, these exercises may also be recommended to reduce an asymmetrical weight shift, excessive forward lean, knees bow in (knee valgus), knees bow out (knee varus), and feet turn out. Addressing these signs has been correlated with improving and reducing the risk of chronic ankle instability, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle pain, and foot pain, and improving sports performance. Movement professionals (personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) should consider adding these exercises to their repertoire with the intent of improving patient/client outcomes from their integrated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions.
Isolated Muscle Activation Exercises:
- Supine Tibialis Posterior Activation
- Seated Tibialis Posterior Activation
- Bilateral Standing Tibialis Posterior Activation
- Unilateral Standing Tibialis Posterior Activation
Reactive Muscle Activation Exercises
- Tibialis Posterior Reactive Activation
- Step-downs to balance
Subsystem Integration Exercises
Last, it is important to integrate the increase in tibialis posterior muscle activity into functional exercise. The Brookbush Institute accomplishes this with intrinsic stabilization subsystem and posterior oblique subsystem integration. Some example movements for these purposes include:
- Quadrupeds (ISS)
- Quadruped Crawl (ISS)
- Squat to Row (POS)
- Step Up to Row (POS)
- Reverse Lunge to Row (POS)
A tibialis posterior activation exercise with a miniband
Pre-approved credits for:
Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:
- Athletic Trainers
- Chiropractors
- Group Exercise Instructors
- Massage Therapists
- Occupational Therapists - Intermediate
- Personal Trainers
- Physical Therapists
- Physical Therapy Assistants
- Yoga Instructors
This Course Includes:
- AI Tutor
- Study Guide
- Text and Illustrations
- Audio Voice-over
- Research Review
- Technique Videos
- Sample Routine
- Practice Exam
- Pre-approved Final Exam
Course Study Guide: Tibialis Posterior Activation (Exercises)
Introduction to Tibialis Posterior Exercises2 Sub Sections
Overactive Synergists
Optimizing Motion (Best Practice)
Research on Tibialis Posterior Muscle Exercises
Best Exercises for Tibialis Posterior Isolated Activation5 Sub Sections
Integrated Stabilization4 Sub Sections
Reactive Activation4 Sub Sections
Subsystem Integration4 Sub Sections
Sample Activation Circuit: Tibialis Posterior Exercises
Bibliography
- Klein, P., Mattys, S., & Rooze, M. (1996). Moment arm length variations of selected muscles acting on talocrural and subtalar joints during movement: An in vitro study. Journal of biomechanics, 29(1), 21-30.
- Kamiya T, Uchiyama E, Watanabe K, Suzuki D et al. (2012). Dynamic effect of the tibialis posterior muscle on the arch of the foot during cyclic axial loading. Clinical Biomechanics. 27:962-966.
- Yao K, Yang TX, Yew WP. (2015). Posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction: overview of evaluation and management. Orthopedics. 38(6): 385-391.
- Chang, R., Kent-Braun, JA., Hamill, J. Use of MRI for volume estimation of tibialis posterior and plantar intrinsic foot muscles in healthy and chronic plantar fasciitis limbs. Clinical Biomechanics. 27 (2012) 500-505
- Murley GS, Landford KB, Menz HB, Bird AR: Effect of foot posture, foot orthoses and footwear on lower limb muscle activity during walking and running: a systematic review, Gait Posture 29:172-187, 2009
- Souza, T. R., Pinto, R. Z., Trede, R. G., Kirkwood, R. N., & Fonseca, S. T. (2010). Temporal couplings between rearfoot–shank complex and hip joint during walking. Clinical biomechanics, 25(7), 745-748.
- V. M. Mattila, P.J Sillanpaa, T. Salo, H.-J. Laine, H Maenpaa, H. Pihlajamki. Can orthotic insoles prevent lower limb overuse injuries? A randomized-controlled trial of 228 subjects. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2011: 21: 804 – 808
- Bell, D. R., Oates, D. C., Clark, M. A., & Padua, D. A. (2013). Two-and 3-dimensional knee valgus are reduced after an exercise intervention in young adults with demonstrable valgus during squatting. Journal of athletic training,48(4), 442-449
- Posterior Tibialis and Flat Foot
- Basmajian JV, Stecko G. The role of muscles in arch support of the foot. J Bone Joint Surg 1963;45A: 1184-90
- Mizel MS, Temple HT, Scranton PE II, Gellman RE, Hecht PJ, Horton GA, et al. Role of the peroneal tendons in the production of the deformed foot with posterior tibial tendon deficiency.
- Dyal CM, Feder J, Deland JT, Thompson FM. Pes planus in patients with posterior tibial tendon insufficiency: asymptomatic versus symptomatic foot. Foot Ankle Int 1997;18: 85-8.
- Mosier SM, Pomeroy G, Manoli A II. Pathoanatomy and aetiology of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Clin Orthop Rel Res 1999;365:12-22.
- Pohl MB, Rabbito M, Ferber R. The role of tibialis posterior fatigue on foot kinematics during walking. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2010 3:6
- Exercise Specific
- Kulig, K., J. M. Burnfield, S. M. Requelo, M. Sperry, and M. Terk. Selective Activation of Tibialis Posterior: Evaluation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 862–867, 2004.
- Alvarez R., Marini A, Schmitt C, Saltsman C. Stage I and II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Treated by a Structured Nonoperative Management Protocol: An Orthosis and Exercise Program Foot Ankle Int January 2006 27: 2-8
- Kulig K, Lederhaus E, Reischl S, Arya S, Bashfor G. Effect of Eccentric Exercise Program for Early Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy Foot & Ankle International September 2009 vol. 30 no. 9 877-885
- Kulig K, Burnfeld JM, Reischl S, Requejo SM, Blanoc CE, Thordarson DB. Effect of foot orthoses on tibialis posterior activation in persons with pes planus. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2005, 37(1):24-29
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