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