1-6: Balance Reactions Flashcards
Continuum of balance disturbances to COM
Slight disturbance (well w/in BOS) –> Moderate disturbance (near edge of BOS) –> Extreme disturbance (past BOS)
Response to slight balance disturbance to COM
Righting reactions (aka postural reactions)
Response to moderate balance disturbance to COM
Equilibrium/Tilting reactions
Response to extreme balance disturbance to COM
Protective reactions
Purpose of righting/postural reaction
Necessary for balance and fall prevention, esp in sitting and standing
Role of rotation in righting reaction
Critical, requires co-contraction of trunk flexors/extensors
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
An infant’s first reaction to gravitation forces
What activates the TLR?
Labyrinths (fluid filled canals in inner ear)
How is the TLR tested?
- Move infant’s head forward (flexion) or backward (extension)
- Movement stimulates fluid in the canal
- Infant produces a movement response in reaction
T/F: Excess fluid in labyrinth is a leading cause of balance delay
T
Describe equilibrium/tilting reactions
- Will see trunk curvature toward upside or away from weight shifted side
- Extremities will ABD toward the upside or away from weight shifted side
Balance control is dependent on what 3 systems
- Somatosensory (primary most of the time)
- Visual
- Vestibular
First line of defense for fall prevention in standing
Movement around ankles
Second line of defense for fall prevention in standing
Movement around the hips/lower trunk
Final line of defense for fall prevention in standing
Stepping, staggering or protective extension
