Balance

Question 1

What is balance?

Answer 1

The static or dynamic equilibrium of the body, relative to the support base- as long as the centre of mass remains over the base of support, balance is maintained

Question 2

What 4 things do we need for balance?

Answer 2

Intact sensory receptors
Intact PNS and CNS to transmit, receive and process sensory information
Intact CNS and PNS to initiate, transmit and produce motor output
Intact musculoskeletal system to produce movement

Question 3

What to look at in a balance assessment?

Answer 3

Vestibular - rapid movement response
Vision - visual field
Body awareness/proprioception - mirroring/ joint position sense

Question 4

What to look at in a central processing assessment

Answer 4

Tone- AROM and PROM
Initiation of movement- AROM and function
Coordination- FTN/HTS and function 
Smooth movement- FTN/HTS and function
Reactive- Function

Question 5

What to look at in a motor output assessment?

Answer 5

Tone- PROM/ Reflexes
Muscle strength -Isometric or isotonic
Joint ROM- AROM/PROM

Question 6

What are some balance mechanisms?

Answer 6

Steady state
Reactive (feedback)
Proactive (feed-forward)

Question 7

What are the Balance outcome measures?

Answer 7

Rombergs tests
TUSS( Timed Unsupported Steady Stand)
FR( Functional Reach)
180 Turn
POMA( Performance Orientated Mobility Assessment)
Tinetti test
Berg balance scale
Get up and go
Star excursion test
Y balance test