Balance Flashcards
(14 cards)
Define balance
As long as the centre of mass remains over the base of support then balance is maintained
What 2 things cause postural sway
External perturbation = movement of air, touch, visual changes
Internal perturbation = breathing, heart contractions & any movement
What 4 things do we need for balance to happen
Intact sensory receptors
Intact PNS & CNS to recieve p, transmit & process sensory info
Intact PNS & CNS to initiate, transmit & produce motor output
Intact musculoskeletal system to produce movement
What 3 things do we need balance for
Central processing = sensory input to sensory cortex to motor initiation to motor cortex cerebrallar coordination basal ganglia loop system
Motor output = muscle (strength, power, tone), joint ROM, ligament, tendon & soft tissue
Sensory input
Somatosensory (touch, pressure, vibration, proprioception, vision
Name the 3 somatosensory receptors
Exteroceptive = external environment (pain, touch, temp, vision
Proprioceptive = body position (muscle, tendon, joint capsule
Interoceptive v internal pain, unconscious sensation from deep structures, vestibular
What 3 factors contribute to maintaining balance
Environment
Task
Individualism
When assessing balance what do we look for in the individual
Identify their impairments by considering sensory input, central processing & motor output
Normally an activity limitation or impairment problem
When assessing balance what should we consider when looking at the task
Analyse the task & problems within the task = maybe alter the task
When assesssing balance what do you consider about the environment
Observe the environment & any problems this is contributing to balance (e.g. lowing plinth height to reduce centre of gravity making it easier to balance)
What are the 3 balance reactions
Strpeady state = sitting or standing & consider how they’re doing this, base of support? Posture as a whole
Proactive = anticipatory movement (do they maintain balance when they move? Consider a functional movement)
Reactive (feedback) = compensatory feedback in response to a movement/perturbation, reaction to an unexpected movement or a ball being thrown at you
How would you challenge steady state balance
Reduce base of support
How would you challenge anticipatory balance
Throw a ball
Single leg reactive reaches
Sit to stand exercises
Dual tasking (distraction)
How would you challenge reactive balance
Stand on a wobble board
Single leg stance
Using dumbness or resistance bands
Dual tasking (distraction)
Outcome measures for balance
Timed unsupported steady sit or standing
Timed up and go
Berg balance scale
Functional research
High level TBI = start excursion test & Y balance test
