What is the modified plantigrade position?

The modified plantigrade position is used in physical therapy and requires a patient to be standing on both feet while leaning on to a table or other surface with hands or arms. This position helps increase stability and can facilitate knee extension.

Plantigrade means to walk with the foot flat on the ground as humans do naturally; however, the modification comes with the dispersal of the patient's weight on to his or her arms or hands as well as legs. This can help provide stability and is used in physical therapy to prepare patients to stand or walk independently. It can be an important stage in learning how to walk with crutches.