proNATO

Pronato refers to a position of the body that is face down. This is often contrasted with supination, which is a position that is face up. In a medical context, pronation describes the inward rolling of the foot during the gait cycle, which is a natural and necessary movement for shock absorption. However, excessive pronation can lead to various foot and ankle problems.

The term pronato can also be used in other contexts. For example, in anatomy, pronation of the forearm refers to the rotation of the forearm so that the palm faces downwards or backwards. This movement is primarily facilitated by the pronator teres and pronator quadratus muscles. In the field of physical therapy, understanding pronation is crucial for assessing biomechanics and developing effective treatment plans for musculoskeletal issues.

In some sports, such as running, a runner's pronation pattern can influence shoe selection. Those with overpronation may benefit from stability shoes that offer support to help control the inward rolling of the foot. Conversely, neutral pronators or supinators might opt for cushioned or neutral shoes. The degree of pronation is a key factor in determining the type of footwear that will provide optimal comfort and injury prevention.