Balance in Human Body

Study Notes

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 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

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)

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

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