Postural Control & Balance

Question 1

What is ‘Postural Stability’?

Answer 1

All body forces are at equilibrium and the center of mass is kept within stability limits or boundaries of the BOS

Question 2

BOS standing in static stance?

Answer 2

A little lower & wider

Question 3

BOS in Sitting (static stance)?

Answer 3

Sitting BOS is larger

The most compression on a disk in lumbar spine is in seated position
- Sitting is flexion

Question 4

How do we regulate Balance & Posture control?

Answer 4

Constant feedback coming in so we can adjust
- When we stand we are constantly moving/swaying, we are never still

INTERACTIONS OF:

• Nervous System
• MSK System
• Task/Environment

All these work together to maintain our balance, flexibility, posture alignment

Question 5

The 3 components that regulate Balance & Posture Control?

Answer 5

Nervous System
MSK System
Task/Environment

Question 6

Reactive Balance strategies?

Answer 6

Automatic, unconscious

In response to an unexpected stimulus/disruption of posture

Question 7

Anticipatory Balance strategies?

Answer 7

Automatic, unconscious

Stabilizes body segments prior to voluntary/conscious movement
i.e. expected postural disturbance

Question 8

The (Monosynaptic) Stretch Reflex?

Answer 8

An unconscious response based on the reflex

Eg) Crossed Extensor Reflex
- Sharp tack stimulates so you unconsciously withdraw the limb, & muscles contract in order to maintain the balance & position

Question 9

Muscles used in Active Sitting?

Answer 9

????

Question 10

Tests that measure outcome for Balance & Postural control?

Answer 10

Berg Balance Scale
Romberg,
Tinetti,
Functional reach test

Question 11

Treatment for Balance & Postural control?

Answer 11

Focus on function

Vary BOS (add/remove UE support)

• Static vs dynamic
• Wide, narrow, regular
• Double-limb vs. single-limb support

Add perturbations (when balance is no longer a challenge)

• internal = they add arm movement
• external = we use external force

Vary the support surface
- stable then unstable

Add/remove vision

Add speed
- walking, figure 8’s

Question 12

Romberg test?

Answer 12

Eyes closed

- one foot forward & in front of the other & maintain balance for 10 secs

Question 13

Balance deficits in Stroke?

Answer 13

High postural sway during static stance (due to decreased sensation on affected side)

Asymmetrical weight-bearing (more weight bearing on non-effected side)

Less effective anticipatory postural control

Slow reaction time to execute balance response