Foot-Brain Connection - part 1 of 7

The importance of healthy feet is often undervalued. In fact, the health of one’s feet is often either neglected or abused. Constrictive or ill shappened shoe wear, like high heels, can often lead to foot dysfunction. Agile feet can help to improve one’s balance, posture, gait and movement overall (Vivobarefoot, 2019). However, feet do not function independently of the body or brain. In fact, extensive research points to a definitive foot-brain connection, which is so dynamic that when activated it allows us to move with calm, certainty, and security (Shanks, 2018). This foot-brain connection empowers us to move in space. Feeling our stability we gain confidence for more unbounded action and movement patterns, without it our mobility becomes restricted and diminished. Therefore, maintaining foot health, and avoiding injuries from overuse are vital to fluid movement and optimal performance. Exercises for feet to improve flexibility, mobility, and strength are important, while the most significant practice in achieving better foot health and ensuring the foot-brain connection is going barefoot.

According to Vivobarefoot (2019), there are over 200,000 nerve endings in our feet, giving feedback to the brain to enable us to move with skill. Twenty six bones in each foot work with intrinsic muscles to provide static or dynamic balance. Oltman (2019) states that being barefoot affects the Homunculus in the brain, and benefits the feet anatomically, functionally, and structurally. The more we stimulate our feet using that area of the brain, the more neuroplasticity can be developed. With sensory nerves of the body area mapped out, and motor movements continually tracked, the Homunculus is able to develop resolution maps according to what area of the body we use most and how.

Ku et al. (2012) cites that the key components to balance control are derived from somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems information. When we are barefoot the information received from 70% somatosensory, 20% vestibular, and 10% visual system feedback is most authentic. This raw data is sent to the Central Nervous System (CNS) via afferent signals which relay information about surface texture, ground support, and environmental factors. Shoes distort the information the brain receives from the feet, and insubstantial changes occur efforting to support posture while standing or moving.