What type of glide of the calcaneus will improve supination?

To understand why a lateral glide of the calcaneus enhances supination, it's essential to consider the biomechanics of the foot and ankle. Supination is a movement that involves three key actions: inversion (where the sole of the foot turns inward), adduction, and plantarflexion. The calcaneus, or heel bone, plays a critical role in these movements.

When the calcaneus glides laterally, it allows the foot to roll towards the outside, facilitating inversion and thereby contributing to supination. This lateral glide increases the stability of the foot's arch and aids in aligning the foot in a position that is more effective for activities such as walking, running, or jumping where there is a need for enhanced push-off power.

In contrast, other gliding motions, such as medial or anterior glides, would not support the necessary movements for supination as effectively. A medial glide tends to promote eversion and has a tendency to destabilize the arch, countering the effects of supination. An anterior glide might not significantly affect supination because it does not facilitate the necessary inversion of the calcaneus. Similarly, a posterior glide would not contribute to this movement pattern and may inhibit the foot's ability to supinate effectively.

Therefore