Balance testing: Demonstrate Balance assessment techniques in a variety of postural sets

Question 1

What is the purpose of the technique i.e. what are you measuring and why?

Answer 1

Balance
Help people walk without walking aids

Question 2

How do you know whether the measurement is normal?

Answer 2

Correct righting reactions
Correct muscles engaged to stabilise

Question 3

What principles are used in carrying out (application) the technique?

Answer 3

1) Patient: Informed consent Stable (large BoS), top off
2) Check the alignment using patient’s midline - compare 1 side to other in terms of: BoS width & weight distribution through feet & pelvis, trunk muscle activity
3) Side on - head neck & spine orientation
4) dynamic: start w wide BoS then reduce / make more unstable, progressively move CoG to stability limit, increase speed
5) Observe if recruiting right muscles to maintain balance and righting reactions they use
6) remove visual input & nudge
7) Check posture in standing ( same as sitting)
8) closed eyes and postural sway
9) stand & reach
10) Tightrope position - observe postural sway eyes open & closed 10s each
11) stand on 1 leg - postural sway & stability eyes open & closed

Question 4

What structures/processes are being assessed?

Answer 4

Visual, somatosensory & vestibular systems

Question 5

Precautions / contraindications

Answer 5

Ensure a second therapist present for safety

Question 6

How would this be documented?

Answer 6

Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent

Visual assessment in sitting - how is alignment, weight distribution through feet and pelvis, trunk muscle activity and BoS width compared to other side? Alignment of head neck and spine from the side?

Sit and reach assessment - performance w wide BoS, reduced BoS, increased speed, unstable surfaces? Correct righting reactions? Using correct muscles?

Closed eyes and nudging assessment (sitting) - Can they stay stable?

Visual assessment in standing - how is alignment, weight distribution through feet and pelvis, trunk muscle activity and BoS width compared to other side? Alignment of head neck and spine from the side?

Stand and reach assessment - performance w wide BoS, reduced BoS, increased speed, unstable surfaces? Correct righting reactions? Using correct muscles?

Closed eyes and nudging assessment (standing) - Can they stay stable?

Tightrope position - differences in postural sway eyes open & closed?

Stand on 1 leg - differences in postural sway & stability eyes open & closed

Adverse effects?
Sign