Balance and stability lecture Flashcards
What is ‘balance’ / ‘postural stability’
Term used to describe the dynamic process by which the body’s position is maintained in equilibrium
Coordination+Proprioception = Balance
What is coordination?
Ability to perform smooth, accurate and controlled movements which is necessary for the execution of fine motor skills and gross motor skills.
What can be used to help a patients balance when their proprioceptive input isnt sufficient?
Visual stimuli to give them something to focus on to help them to maintain their balance
What is the vestibular system?
Information about the position and movement of the head with respect to gravity and internal forces
What is the vestibulospinal reflex?
Compensates for postural changes of the body by activating antigravity muscles.
What do the inner ear receptors do?
They are sensitive to fast head movements and detect linear head acceleration
What is the somatosensory system?
Made up of:
Muscle spindles - anticipate postural adjustments
Golgi tendon organs - respond to changes in muscle length
Joint mechanoreceptors
Skin mechanoreceptors - sensitive to vibration, light touch, deep pressure and skin stretch
What are 4 types of balance control?
static, dynamic, automatic and anticipatory
What systems are involved with balance and stability?
Nervous - proprioception, visual, vestibular and somatosensory
MSK - ROM, muscle performance, postural alignment, sensation
Contextual effects - environmental distractions, surface, lighting, task etc
What are the NICE guidelines for older populations and falls (4)
Identify their risk of falling and how this can be improved and managed.
Involve other professions (MDT)
Psychosocial factors - patients perceived functional ability, fear related to falling
Identification of falls and their cause
How can you progress balance exercises?
staying within/moving outside the base of support and adding distractions
