Balance in Human Body

Balance

• Defined as the ability to control body mass or center of gravity to maintain a upright posture or functional equilibrium in dynamic activities
• Dynamic process by which the body's position is maintained in equilibrium

Equilibrium and Center of Gravity

• Equilibrium means the body is either at rest (static equilibrium) or in steady-state motion (dynamic equilibrium)
• Center of Gravity (COG) or Center of Mass (COM) is an imaginary balancing point where the body weight can be assumed to be concentrated and equally distributed
• Located at the anterior 2nd sacral vertebra in adults
• Line of Gravity (LOG) is the vertical line passing through the COG
• Base of Support (BOS) is the boundaries of the contact area between the body and its support surface

Balance Disorders

• A disturbance that causes an individual to feel unsteady, giddy, or have a sensation of movement, spinning, or floating
• Berg's Balance Scale measures balance ability, ranging from 0 (no balance) to 4 (able to maintain balance with hands off and accepts maximal challenges)

Balance Training

• Static balance control:
  • Maintaining sitting, half-kneeling, tall kneeling, and standing postures on a firm surface
  • Tandem single-leg stance, squat positions, and working on soft surfaces
  • Narrowing the BOS, moving the arms, or closing the eyes
• Balance training with perturbation:
  • Internal or external perturbations to balance
  • COG follows the moving body parts
• Dynamic balance exercises using movable surfaces:
  • Swiss Ball
  • Tilt Boards

Safety During Balance Exercises

• Use a gait belt and stand slightly behind and to the side of the patient
• Perform exercises near a railing or in parallel bars
• Avoid exercising near sharp edges of equipment or objects
• Check equipment to ensure it is operating correctly
• Ensure the floor is clean and free of debris

Indications for Balance Training

• Lower limb amputee rehabilitation
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Fracture rehabilitation
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuropathies
• Vestibular disorders
• Postural dysfunction
• Head trauma

Contraindications for Balance Training

• Spinal conditions such as herniated or prolapsed discs, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, scoliosis, etc.
• Osteoporosis
• Hip or knee replacement
• Pregnancy or recent childbirth