balance and equilibrium

Question 1

define balance

Answer 1

to maintain the line of gravity (vertical line from center of gravity) of a body within the base of support

Question 2

what are the types of balance?

Answer 2

static
- center of gravity remains within base of support and there is no weight shift
dynamic
- center of gravity moves out of the base of support and there is weight shift

Question 3

define center of gravity

Answer 3

the sum total of the centers of gravity of all body segments forms the body’s center of gravity.
- standing position S2
the point about which the body mass is balanced

Question 4

how is balance made possible?

Answer 4

a reflex mechanism
- normal postural reflex mechanism (nprm)
  \+ righting reactions
  \+ equilibrium reactions
  \+ protective reactions

Question 5

define equilibrium

Answer 5

a stable position/ state when opposing forces cancel each other. a state of adjustment between forces

Question 6

what are equilibrium reactions?

Answer 6

take place within the body in order to maintain the line of gravity above the base of support

• compensation to recover lost stability
• a response to external disturbances
• observed through movement of head, neck and trunk when COG moves outside BOS
• limb movements bring COG back over BOS

Question 7

what are protective reactions?

Answer 7

designed to protect from a fall rather than to correct displacement
development requires:
- postural control
- rotation of trunk- weight shift
- RR and equilibrium R

Question 8

what is required for balance?

Answer 8

• adequate muscle strength, especially of trunk and LL
• intact sensation, especially proprioception and kinesthesia
• adequate active joint range, especially of trunk and LL
• intact reflex ability, especially protective extension
• adequate endurance
• normal muscle tone especially of LL
• adequate coordination especially foot-foot coordination
• functional posture

Question 9

problems related to balance and equilibrium reactions loss

Answer 9

primary problems
- inability to assume a functional position, especially in sitting, standing or walking
- maintenance of abnormal posture or position to compensate for difficulties with balance, resulting in postural deformities
- inability to perform movements from a static position without losing balance
- inability to move from one point to another without losing balance
- inability to perform activities requiring movements in the middle to outer ranges of movement
- inability to carry out all ADLs without some form of support
+ self-care: difficulty particularly in bathing and dressing LL
+ domestic activities: cooking and cleaning activities that must be carried out in standing
+ community survival: use of public transport, shopping, use of community facilities
+ leisure: active sport
+ work: semi-skilled and unskilled labor is particularly difficult
secondary problems
- danger of client falling or injuring themselves

Question 10

specific assessment principles and considerations

Answer 10

• take client’s age into consideration and have prior knowledge of expectations at that age
• ensure that you are always in a position to prevent falls
• don’t continue assessment if client is unable to maintain particular position
• remember that fatigue will affect balance reactions
• if there is inability to maintain equilibrium client’s balance reactions will be affected

Question 11

what are some age related balance issues?

Answer 11

• increase in time needed for muscles to contract
• sensory inputs are reduced
• ability to recover from external push
• physical, cognitive