Balance, proprioreceptors and walking aids

Question 1

What 3 factors affect normal movement?

Answer 1

Agility, balance and co-ordination

Question 2

Describe the following terms;

1. Center of mass COM
2. Center of gravity COG
3. Line of gravity
4. Base of supports BOS

Answer 2

1. The point at which is the center of all our mass
2. The hypothetical point at which all the weight of our body is concentrated, where all linear & angular forces are balanced, and gravity passes through
3. Vertical line down from COG to the ground
4. The area beneath the body that is encompossed

Question 3

In terms of base of supports and line of gravity, when are you balanced and when are you unstable?

Answer 3

Balanced = Line of gravity is within the base of support
Unstable = Line of gravity moves outside base of support

Question 4

What factors can cause balance to change?

Answer 4

Age
Cognition
Environment

Question 5

Define proprioreception

Answer 5

The conscious or unconscious awareness of body position in 3D space

Question 6

What does ipsilateral mean?

Answer 6

Same side

Question 7

What does contralateral mean?

Answer 7

Other side

Question 8

Name and describe the 3 types of weight bearing

Answer 8

Non-weight bearing = No weight on foot
Partial weight bearing = Some weight on foot
Touch/ toe weight bearing = Toe of foot on the floor, but minimal weight applied. Only for stability

Question 9

Why do we use walking aids?

Answer 9

Increases points of contact, so increases base of supports and improves stability and balance

Question 10

What must you check when issuing walking aids

Answer 10

Safe weight limit
State of ferrules and wheels
Clear walkway
How many staff
Balance
Weight bearing status

Question 11

Describe how to stand up using a walking aid

Answer 11

Where possible, push up from the arms of the chair to stand, then hold the aid

Question 12

How would you negotiate going up and down the stairs if you are using walking aids

Answer 12

Up = lead with strong foot, bring up weak foot and aid
Down = lower walking aid, lower weak leg and step down using strong foot