> 
> Chip, now I'm really confused.  What is the point of maximum compensation?
> Here are three of your quotes.
> 
> 1 Now, Point of Maximum Compensation refers to that instant in a single
> gait cycle as represented by one complete stride in which a maximum
>  amount of force is distributed up into the kinetic chain.
> 
>  2 The Point of maximum compensation occurs when maximum stress is placed
>  into the structures of the foot and leg as they come into equilibrium
>  (sum of all forces=0) with ground reactive force.
> 
> 3  I define the point of maximum compensation as occurring when
>  > >  one of three conditions exist.  Either the foot reaches something which
>  > >  I refer to, for lack of a better term, as "ergonomy of position".  For
>  > >  example, the Primary moment passes close to or settles directly over the
>  > >  STJ axis at about the time the Rearfoot reaches perpendicular.  There
>  > >  are no proximal or distal forces causing the rearfoot to go beyond
>  > >  perpendicular with the weightbearing surface. The moment arm = 0 and
>  > >  nothing tends to drive the rearfoot any further.  Another condition
>  > >  which would satisfy the definition is when the rearfoot is driven beyond
>  > >  perpendicular in order to get the medial column of an inverted forefoot
>  > >  to the ground.  A third instance might be one in which the STJ does not
>  > >  have sufficient ROM to get to perpendicular (ie "Partially Compensated
>  > >  RF Varus").
>  > >
> 
> The first definition I can understand as the point in time when the vertical,
> ant-post, and med-lat components of ground reactive force are added to produce
> the longest vector.  This is when the most external force is distributed up
> the kinetic chain.  However, the largest component of ground reactive force is
> vertical, so the total force peak is likely to occur when the vertical force
> peaks.  There are two force peaks,  are there two points of maximum
> compensation?

Eric, it seems that you make two statements here.  The first I agree
with. Then you elaborate on two force peaks.  As previously stated, that
only applies in purely vertical loading.  I thought this was answered
before but, to reiterate, It is when Ant-Post and Med-Lat. forces are
added.  Med.Lat become negative during a part of the cycle in which one
of the vertical loading peaks occurs.  The sum of the two produces a
vector which is not nearly as forceful as the other.   As you point out,
that is when the most external force is distributed up the kinetic
chain.  That is also why Ground Reactive Force is spent in joints which
are not directly opposing a vertical load.  
> 
> The second definition I cannot understand.  During gait there is constant
> acceleration so equilibrium is never achieved.

Aside from use of the term "Rotational Equilibrium" which you have
already established is applicable in this discussion, 
> 
> I'm not sure the third definition correlates with the first two.  Although the
> first peak in the force time curve may occur at the time when pronation slows
> noticably as the forefoot loads.  I haven't really studied this.  Is there
> value of knowing the time when maximum compensation occurs?
> 
> questioningly,
> 
> Eric


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