painonsiirtoon

Painonsiirtoon is a Finnish term describing the deliberate or automatic transfer of weight within the body from one support area to another, in order to maintain balance, initiate movement, or redistribute load. It occurs in standing and locomotion and in tasks such as lifting, turning, or changing direction.

In standing, weight shifts through ankle and hip strategies as the center of mass moves within the base of support. In walking, weight is transferred from one foot to the other with phases of stance and swing; dynamic balance involves rapid transitions. Efficient painonsiirtoon reduces energy cost and improves control in sport and daily activities.

Clinically, painonsiirtoon is assessed by observation, video analysis, or force plates and pressure mapping. Training targets proprioception, neuromuscular control, and strength in the lower limbs and core. Common issues include asymmetries, delayed weight shift, or stiff hips leading to poor balance or injury risk. Interventions include balance exercises, single-leg work, mobility work, and task-specific drills.

In Finnish biomechanics and physical therapy literature, painonsiirtoon describes the general principle of weight redistribution, with specific techniques defined by context, such as gait, lifting, or sport technique. The term appears in clinical guidelines and rehabilitation protocols.