PROPRIOFOOT
Propriofoot is a set of 4 plastic pads of different color with different types of base. It was developed by a french sport physiotherapists Jérôme Baicry and Loïc Paris. The authors were searching for an alternative and improvement of the existing balance pads for treating the athletes.
During their professional experience they found out that it is important to work with the foot not only globally, but also in segments, especially with the forefoot.
FOUR “MAGICAL” PADS
Dynamic work with the foot can fully activate the leg muscles, but it mainly works with the deep stabilization system of our body as a whole. Therefore it is not considered an exercise for isolated muscle work, but muscle coordination with the balance center of our brain and inner ears and being aware about the movement.
USE OF PROPRIOFOOT:
- Prevention and therapy of flat feet
- Hallux valgus (bunion)
- Improved general stability of the legs and spine
- Strengthening the unstable segments and knees
- Correction of wrong body posture
- Improved motorics
- Coordination exercise for improved cooperation of the hemispheres
- Improved concentration, especially by children with ADHD
- Preventive exercise, after injuries, for children as well as adults
HOW TO EXERCISE?
Exercising means you stand on one leg on the two propriofoot pads, you should have the option to correct the intensity on your soles according to your needs. Start moving with your arms, second leg and even head. You can train balance with closed eyes for example.
DIFFICULTY
- 1. Stand on one leg, lift your arms horizontally
- 2. Stand on one leg, place your arms alongside your body
- 3. Stand on one leg, lift your arms horizontally and close your eyes
- 4. Stand on one leg, place your arms alongside your body and close your eyes
More positions can be performed statically or dynamically. In a standing position, while sitting, in a plank position or even when lying down.
Athletes can train their usual athletic stereotypes for example kick (football, kickbox), batting/ shooting (baseball, tennis, ice hockey), throwing (bowling, ball games), jumping, lunges etc…
RECOMMENDED POSITIONS FOR THE FOOT ON THE PADS
- Activation of the back of the foot
- Activation of the front of the foot
- Activation of the back and partly also front of the foot simultaneously
- Activation of the front and partly also back of the foot
- Activation of the back and front part of the foot simultaneously
It is recommended to exercise 2 times a day, for about 5 minutes on each leg, ideally for 6 weeks.
Clinical studies show that even one, three minutes long exercise on propriofoot can change distribution of the force, tension and burden on our feet.
Author: FYZIOklinika physiotherapy Ltd., Prague, Czech Republic
Source: Clinical experience from a private practice in physiotherapeutic field, FYZIOklinika