Postural Stability Training

Question 1

Stability

(static postural control)

Answer 1

refers to synergistic coordination of the NMS that enables an individual to maintain a stable position in an antigravity, WB position

• prolonged holding of core trunk and LE ms
• postural sway is minimal

Question 2

Dynamic Stabilization, Controlled Mobility

Answer 2

proximal segments and trunk provide stable base for functional movements

• postural stability of trunk during weight shift
• distal segments are fixed, proximal segments moving
• mvmnt normally small range to large
  
  • pts w/ hyperkinetic mvmnt disorders (ataxia) should be progressed from large range to small range movements to holding steady (stability)

Question 3

Dynamic Stabilization, Static-Dynamic Control

Answer 3

maintaining postural stability of the trunk during dynamic extremity movements

• strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination required

Question 4

Developing Postural Stability

Answer 4

• recruitment of tonic, slow twitch muscle fibers
• teach safe spinal ROM in a variety of postures
  
  • chin tucking
  • pelvic tilting
• retrain kinesthetic awareness of postural position (neutral pelvis position etc)
  
  • multifidi and oblique abdominals
  • visual, verbal and proprioceptive cues
• strength and endurance of stabilizing ms in various postures
  
  • higher the COM and smaller BOS = greater degree of postural challenge
• alternating isometric contractions
  
  • stabilizing reversals (SR)
  • Rhythmic Stabilization (S)
• control of funx positions while moving b/t positions
• closed chain tasks
  
  • partial squats, controlled lunges
• increase complexity of movement patterns
• flexibility

Question 5

Common Errors with Postural Stability Training

Answer 5

• inadequate stretching of tight muscles
  
  • hip flexors or hamstrings
• inadequate ontrol of core muscles could place excessive stress on proximal structures during funx
• progress too quickly
• exercising past the point of fatigue
• not finding patient specific neutral position

Question 6

Benefits of stability ball training

Answer 6

• promotes balance via BOS
• works ms in funx, synergistic patterns
  
  • core
  • posture re-education
• heightens proprioception
• kinesthetic awareness
• improves ROM
• relaxation training
• safe, dynamic cardiovascular workout
• increases strength

Question 7

Determining Size of Stability Ball

Answer 7

• hips/knees at 90 w/ sitting
• ball height should be same distance between greater trochanter and knee in supine
• quadriped, ball height should equal the distance between shoulder and wrist

Question 8

Contraindications to Ball Use