Think your shoes are helping your feet? You might be shocked by what the science actually says.

In this episode of The MOVEMENT Movement, Steven Sashen interviews Dr. Jenn Perez, Co-Founder and COO of Gait Happens, who joins the show to debunk foot myths and explain how modern footwear influences your movement. Drawing on emerging research and years of clinical teaching worldwide, Dr. Perez explains pronation, toe spring, the windlass mechanism, and why "foot strength" is finally measurable in minimalist footwear studies. She and host Steven Sashen discuss how to build resilient, pain-free feet by allowing them to function as they are naturally designed.

Key Takeaways:

→ Foot strength is more important than quadriceps strength in determining fall risk in the elderly.

→ Changes in gait and walking speed can be early indicators of mental decline and potential dementia diagnosis.

→ Flat feet and pronation are separate concepts with different implications for foot health.

→ Understanding foot anatomy is crucial in designing minimal shoes that support optimal foot function.

→ Foot strength and alignment are crucial for overall health, athletic performance, and fall prevention.

Dr. Jen Perez is the co-founder and COO of Gait Happens, a global leader in lower extremity education. As a chiropractor and gait specialist, Dr. Perez is passionate about educating both individuals and professionals on the importance of lower extremity biomechanics in obtaining meaningful results for patients. She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports Medicine. Based in Lafayette, CO, Dr. Perez also owns and operates Kinetic Chiropractic, where she offers personalized care and treatment to help patients restore optimal movement and alleviate pain. Through her online and in-person work, she has helped clients worldwide, with a focus on foot health and corrective exercise. Dr. Perez has been featured on 9News and in publications such as Women's Health, National Geographic, and CNN Underscored. In addition to her teaching and course writing with Gait Happens, she has also lectured to numerous educational institutions and associations, including the Canadian Pedorthic Association, Palmer College of Chiropractic, and the Florida Chiropractic Association.

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