Standing Balance Flashcards
1
Q
Define postural control.
A
mechanisms by which we control balance by postural adjustments (muscle activations and segmental movements)
2
Q
What can disturb balance?
A
- gravity
- muscle contractions
- unexpected perturbation
- interactions between segments during movement.
3
Q
What are the goals of postural adjustments?
A
- support the head and body against gravity and external forces
- maintain centre of mass aligned and balance over base of support
- stabilise parts of body while other parts are moved.
4
Q
Factors that helps in balance control?
A
Sensory (determine body position): - visual system - vestibular system - somatosensory system (proprioception) Motor (choice of body movement): - select and adjust muscle contractile pattern
5
Q
What are the essential components of standing?
A
- equal weight distribution on both LL
- feet shoulder/hips width apart
- ankle dorsiflexion
- knee extension
- hip extension
- neck and trunk extension
6
Q
Factors affecting the postural sway during quiet standing?
A
- environment events
- eyes open or close
- foot position/ width of base of support
- reduced muscle strength
- reduced peripheral sensation
- poor near vision acuity
- slowed reaction time
7
Q
What is anticipatory postural adjustments (APA)?
A
postural muscles activated before prime mover muscles, to compensate for destabilising effects of movements.
8
Q
Describe the three balance strategies.
A
- Ankle
- Hip
- stepping response (made to form new base of support for the body when ankle and hip strategy fails)
9
Q
List some of the possible compensatory behaviours during standing?
A
- greater weightbearing on unaffected leg.
- wide base of support, externally rotated hips
- stiffening the body to limit movement
- take step prematurely
- reliance on intact arms
10
Q
What are some outcome measures used to assess balance?
A
- Berg balance scale (14 items, total score 56, cut off: 45 for independent and safe ambulation)
- mini BESTEST (14 items)
- Mobility Scale for Acute Stroke (MSAS)
