The outward rolling motion of the foot during the push-off phase of running or walking, opposite to pronation. It also refers to insufficient inward rolling motion during foot strike, which can reduce the foot's natural shock absorption capabilities.
From Latin 'supinus' meaning 'lying on the back' or 'turned upward,' referring to the palm-up position. The term was adapted for foot mechanics in the 20th century, describing the foot's outward rotation movement.
True under-supination (or 'underpronation') is actually quite rare - only about 10% of runners exhibit this pattern, yet it's often over-diagnosed in running stores. What's interesting is that supination is a crucial part of normal gait - it's how your foot becomes a rigid lever for push-off, transforming from a flexible shock absorber (during pronation) to a powerful propulsion platform in milliseconds!
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