Introduction to Balance Flashcards
What is balance?
if we can keep the center of mass (COM) within the base of support (BOS) then we can maintain balance
only for STATIC
What three things are needed for balance?
vision, proprioception and vestibular input
If a patient has a stroke how can we help them maintain balance?
give them a cain to use as 3rd leg
cane always on strong side
What is a functional reach test?
moving the COM away from the BOS by reaching far away with out taking a step
What is center of gravity?
in biomechanics- vertical projection from COM to ground
Center of pressure
COP is the application point of ground reaction force on the foot
ground reaction force always goes from COP to COM
What directions can ground reaction force move?
Up and backwards
up and forwards
as seen during gait cycle
What are two ways to reduce BOS?
single leg stance and tandem stance
What is the definition of COM?
a concentrating point of the body around which all the particles are evenly distributed
In quiet standing where is COM
in front of S2
when you move it moves and can move outside the body
What are the two key points with self optimization?
- help you maintain balance
2. save energy
What is ankle strategy?
this is used when a perturbation is slow and small and foot contact surface is firm or wide
recruit muscles distal to proximal
how would muscles work during ankle strategy if a person pushed you backwards?
uses TA—-Quads —–Abs
pull COM back to normal
how would muscles work during ankle strategy if a person pushed you forwards?
Calf muscles—–hammys—-back extensors
What is hip strategy?
this is used when a perturbation is fast and large and foot contact surface is firm or wide
recruit muscles proximal to distal
