Lesson 1: The Science
The laws of physiology and why foot function must be understood as adaptive, not fixed.
The Critical Connection Course
Learn about latest advancements in gait-related neuromuscular mechanics and the new therapeutic paradigm for foot-related pathologies.
The Course consists of four 30-minute video-on-demand lessons, slide decks, course books, and monograph.
Contributing Authors
Roy Gardiner, Sam Dubé, MD; PhD, Scott Bautch, D.C., DACBOH, CCST, CCSP; Bruce Comstock, DC; Tim Wakefield, DC, DC, DACBSP, CPCO, CCST, CSCS; Birger Baastrup, DC
WELCOME TO THE COURSE
The Critical Connection was developed to serve as a selfstudy online course for healthcare, rehabilitation, and sports training professionals. Developed in collaboration with leading experts and practitioners in the field, it will provide valuable background information about the scientific principles that led to the development of Biopods® and Bareoot Science® technologies and a new paradigm for assessing and treating most foot-related pathologies.
Biopods / Barefoot Science technologies are the result of more than 40 years of research in foot function and related pathologies, which has encompassed a comprehensive review of relevant global studies and a thorough analysis of current healthcare protocols and treatment methods.
Over the years, the Biopods research and development team has reviewed the effects of immobilization on long-term health and wellness, as well as the effects of environmental influences on foot function. One of the many outcomes of these efforts is a more accurate method for measuring the three-dimensional neuromusculoskeletal dynamics of the foot structure during full weight-bearing states in static and dynamic environments.
The course is designed as a self-paced experience that can fit into the schedule of every busy healthcare professional.
Each of the four lessons includes an online component with a video presentation by expert instructors and accompanying slides that you can access any time — and a course book and a scientific monograph for in-depth study following each lesson.
Course foundation
The course framework is built around the same core scientific model: the foot is a sensory, muscular, skeletal, vascular, fascial, and neurological system that adapts to the information and demands it repeatedly receives.
Course lessons
Lesson 2: Optimal Foot and Lower Limb Function
Optimal foot mechanics, gait preparation, and the role of the Windlass Mechanism, sesamoids, and cuboid pulley system.
Lesson 3: Gait-related Pathologies
Pathology patterns, attenuated sensory input, and the conventional baseline problem in foot assessment.
Lesson 4: Neuromuscular Pathology Treatment Options
Clinical protocols, stimulated alignment control, progression, contraindications, and practical application.
Intended audiences
- Healthcare professionals exploring therapeutic foot and lower-limb kinetic chain rehabilitation.
- Practitioners working with gait, balance, injury prevention, and lower-limb mechanics.
- Coaches, performance specialists, and elite athletes interested in performance enhancement and injury prevention.
- Educated consumers and weekend warriors who want a deeper understanding of the science behind optimal body function.