Balance And Equilibrium

Question 1

Balance

Answer 1

To maintain the line of gravity of a body within the base of support

Question 2

Centre of gravity

Answer 2

The point about which all the body is balanced

Question 3

Balance is made possible by

Answer 3

Reflex mechanism:
Normal Postural Reflex Mechanism(NPRM)
1. Righting reactions
2. Equilibrium reactions
3. Protective reactions

Question 4

Equilibrium

Answer 4

A stable position/state when opposing forces cancel each other

Question 5

Equilibrium reactions (ER)

Answer 5

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

Compensate to recover lost stability

Question 6

Development of equilibrium

Answer 6

Prone 5-6 months
Supine 7-8 months
Sitting 7-10 months
Quadrupod 9-12 months
Standing 12-21 months

Question 7

Protective Reactions

Answer 7

Designed to protect from a fall rather than to correct displacement

Protective reactions
Protective sweeping reactions
Protective stepping reactions

Question 8

Development of protective reactions

Answer 8

Forward 6-7 months
Sideways 6-11 months
Backwards 9-12 months

Question 9

What’s needed for protective extension to develop?

Answer 9

1. Postural control
2. Rotation of trunk (weight shift)
3. RR and equilibrium R

Question 10

Development of balance

Answer 10

Sitting
Sitting to standing
Standing (on one leg with eyes open, with eyes closed)
Balance beam
Heel-to-toe walking
Walking on a straight line

Question 11

Age related balance shoes

Answer 11

• balance is compromised in elderly
• increase in time needed for muscle to contract
• sensory inputs are reduced
• ability to recover from external push
• physical, cognitive

Question 12

What makes “maintenance” or control of balance possible?

Answer 12

Biomechanical factors: stability:

alignment of joints, strength to adjust, endurance, assistive devices

Question 13

Factors influencing balance

Answer 13

1. Cognitive
2. Sensory
3. Motor
4. Affective