Balance Flashcards
Somatosensory Input
Somatosensory Receptors are located in the joint, muscles, ligaments and skin
Provides proprioceptive input regarding: Length, tension, pressure, pain and joint position
Tactile and proprioceptive input from the ankles, knees, hips and neck provide balance information
Challenging the Somatosensory System
Observation of a patient when changing the surface they are standing on.
- Slopes
- Uneven Surfaces
- Standing on Foam
Visual Input
Visual receptors allow for visual acuity regarding:
- verticality
- motion of objects and self
- environmental orientation
- postural sway and movements of head and neck
Which form of input do children rely on to maintain balance?
[Children often rely heavily on the visual system for the maintenance of balance]
Challenging the visual system
Examination of standing with eyes open (EO)
- Eyes closed
Vestibular Input
Provides feedback to the CNS with feedback regarding the position and movement of the head in relation to gravity
[Labyrinth consists of 3 semicircular canals filled with endolymph and two otolith organ]
What are the Semicircular Canals responsible for?
Respond to the movement of fluid with head motion
What are the otoliths responsible for?
Measure the effects of gravity and head movements with regards to acceleration/deceleration
Challenging the Vestibular System
Examination of balance with head movement
What is the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR)
Allows for head/eye movement coordination
- Supports gaze stabilization through eye movement that counters movements of the head
- Maintenance of a stable image on the retina during movement
What is the Vestibulospinal Reflex (VSR)
Attempt to stabilize the body and control movement
- Reflex assists with stability while the head is movement
- Coordination of the trunk during upright postures
What is Ankle Strategy
First strategy to be elicited by a small range and small velocity perturbation
- Feet are on the ground
What direction do muscles groups contract during ankle stategy?
Muscle groups contract [distal to proximal] to control postural sway from the ankle joint
What is Hip Strategy
Elicited by a greater force
- Challenge or perturbation through the hips and pelvis
- Hips move in the [opposite] direction to the head
What direction do muscle groups contract during hip strategy?
Muscle groups contract in a [proximal to distal] fashion to counteract loss of balance
